Sydney FC vs. Macarthur FC – A-League, February 28, 2021

Sydney FC will be hoping to repeat last month’s 3-0 victory over Macarthur when the teams meet again at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, February 28.

However, the defending champions currently find themselves three points behind the Bulls on the A-League ladder, following a disappointing loss to Melbourne City.

After checking out the bookmakers’ odds, I will give my Sydney FC vs. Macarthur FC prediction and betting pick.

Of course, it is no real surprise to see Sydney FC (1.95) as the favorite to win this one. After all, the Sky Blues crushed the Bulls 3-0 less than a month ago.

But given that Macarthur (3.75) has picked up a couple of impressive wins since then, the price for the away win seems very generous here, especially when you consider Sydney FC’s recent run of results.

It’s fair to say that Steve Corica’s men have made an iffy start to their title-defending season.

Sydney FC has already secured two easy wins over Wellington, along with the victory over Macarthur, although two draws and two defeats mean that first-place Central Coast currently sits seven points ahead of the reigning champs.

Following a testing goalless draw against Brisbane last weekend, the Sky Blues suffered a midweek loss at the hands of Melbourne City.

Corica’s men managed to pull two goals back after City raced into a 3-0 lead, yet they ultimately left it far too late. Milos Ninkovic netted on 72 minutes before Patrick Wood scored on 90. But the comeback never really looked like a realistic possibility.

Having been outclassed by last season’s runner-up, Sydney FC will be looking to get back on track this weekend. However, the Bulls have business of their own to take care of.

Missed last night's Grand Final rematch between @MelbourneCity and @SydneyFC?

Catch the match highlights on YouTube ?#MCYvSYD #ALeague

— A-League (@ALeague) February 23, 2021

After losing to Sydney FC last month, Macarthur enjoyed a three-match unbeaten streak. Following a draw with WSW, Ante Milicic’s side beat the Roar 2-0 before thrashing Adelaide 4-0.

But last time out, the Bulls were humiliated by Western United.

Despite dominating possession and creating countless goalscoring opportunities, Macarthur fell 4-1 to the Green & Black last weekend. Matt Derbyshire scored a late consolation goal for the visiting team, yet it was all in vain.

Following a hat-trick against Adelaide, Derbyshire has now bagged six goals in his last six appearances. The Englishman is proving to be an astute signing, but his team-mates must match his efforts if the Bulls are to achieve anything in their maiden A-League season.

Milicic’s men can take confidence from the fact that they prevented Sydney FC from scoring until the 66th minute in their previous meeting, despite having Mark Milligan sent off midway through the first half. Still, they ended up suffering a damaging loss.

I’m not going to lie to you – this is a tough game to call. We all know that Sydney FC saw off the Bulls with ease last time around, but it is important to remember that Macarthur played the majority of that game with ten men.

Despite losing 4-1 last weekend, Milicic’s men have shown plenty of promise in recent games. Given that Corica’s men have only picked up one point from their previous two outings, I can see Macarthur snatching a point on Sunday.