Monday night preview: Western United v Macarthur FC

Macarthur FC are in need of three points to help strengthen their standing in the top six when travelling to Leichhardt Oval to face Western United on Monday night.

The two teams convene in New South Wales after Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions ruled AAMI Park out as the venue for the Monday-night fixture.

READ: A-League 2020/21 Fixture Update – Western United v Macarthur FC

The Bulls are in sixth spot heading into their clash with 10th-placed United after losing 2-1 to Central Coast Mariners earlier in Matchweek 23.

The three teams placed seventh to ninth – Wellington Phoenix, Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory – all sit within three points of the Bulls, meaning anything less than a win over the Green and Black would leave Ante Milicic’s side in danger of sliding out of the Finals Series places.

United are reeling after a dismal defeat to Melbourne Victory last time out. The 6-1 demolition left Mark Rudan’s side eight points behind Macarthur with two games to play, vanquishing their hopes of a top-six finish.

Beñat Etxebarria returns from injury for Macarthur in a timely manner after fellow midfielder Denis Genreau departed for Socceroos duty following his side’s last hit-out against the Mariners.

These two sides have met twice in the 2020/21 campaign. United won 4-1 in Matchweek 9 before falling to a 2-1 defeat to the Bulls in Matchweek 13.

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Match details

Western United v Macarthur FC
Monday, May 31 2021
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEST
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
Match Centre

Ins and Outs

Western United FC squad: 1. Filip KURTO (gk), 2. Aaron CALVER, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4. Andrew DURANTE, 5. Dylan PIERIAS, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 8. Lachlan WALES, 9. Kaine SHEPPARD, 10. Steven LUSTICA, 11. Connor PAIN, 12. Dalibor MARKOVIC, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 23. Alessandro DIAMANTI (c), 25. Luke DUZEL, 26. Nicolas MILANOVIC, 27. Jerry SKOTADIS, 30. Ryan SCOTT (gk), 31. Adisu BAYEW, 32. Manyluak Aguek, 34. Iker GUARROTXENA

**2-4 to be omitted**

Ins: 9. Kaine SHEPPARD (promoted), 12. Dalibor MARKOVIC (returns from injury), 32. Manyluak Aguek (promoted)

Out: 22.Tomislav USKOK (suspended)

Unavailable: 7. Besart BERISHA (rib), 17. Bradden INMAN (hamstring), 19. Joshua RISDON (Foot), 20. Victor SANCHEZ (calf)

Macarthur FC squad: 1.Adam FEDERICI (gk), 2.Jake McGING, 3.Antony GOLEC, 4.Benat ETXEBARRIA, 5.Mark MILLIGAN (c), 7.Ivan FRANJIC, 11.Tommy OAR, 12.James MEREDITH, 14.Moudi NAJJAR, 15.Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 16.Nick SUMAN (gk), 19.Michael RUHS, 21.Jake HOLLMAN, 22.Liam ROSE, 23.Walter SCOTT, 24.Charles M’MOMBWA, 27.Matt DERBYSHIRE, 29.Antonis MARTIS, 31.Lachlan ROSE, 33.Markel SUSAETA

**2-4 to be omitted**

Ins: 4.Benat ETXEBARRIA (return from injury), 23.Walter SCOTT (promoted), 24.Charles M’MOMBWA (return from injury)

Outs: 8.Denis GENREAU (National Team Selection),

Unavailable: 6.Aleksandar JOVANOVIC (injury – calf 1-2 weeks), 10.Loic PUYO (calf – 1 week)