After facing each other a week ago, Macarthur Bulls and Melbourne Victory square off again in an MLS fixture at Campbelltown Stadium. Macarthur emerged victorious in the previous meeting and should once again have the upper hand in Friday’s home fixture.
Macarthur Bulls came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory in an entertaining clash against Melbourne Victory last time out. They recovered from a slow start to win thanks to goals in each half from Markel Susaeta and James Meredith.
Ante Milicic’s men have been on the rise in recent weeks and head into Friday’s clash unbeaten in their last four matches. They are currently fifth on the table but could move to as high as second if results go their way this weekend.
Macarthur are usually solid at home and are unbeaten in six of their last seven matches at Campbelltown Stadium. Among their results in that run is a 4-0 victory over Adelaide United while they also won 2-0 against Perth Glory.
Melbourne Victory were left to rue missed chances in their 2-1 defeat to Perth Glory last time out in the A-League. Ben Folami fired a second half effort straight at the goalkeeper while Robbie Kruse also missed a penalty before Rudy Gestede scored what turned out to be a consolation 11 minutes from time.
The result leaves the Victory second from bottom, just one point above Newcastle Jets at the foot of the table. Manager Steve Kean has struggled to find some stability this season and takes his team to Audi Field with just one win in their last seven matches.
Melbourne Victory have also been poor on their travels and have lost their last three away matches, including a 7-0 defeat at leaders Melbourne City.
How the bookies view it
Macarthur Bulls are favourites among the bookies with BetVictor offering 7/10 for a home win. A victory for Melbourne Victory is priced at 4/1 by Betfred while a draw is set at odds of 10/3 by bet365.
With Melbourne Victory boasting one of the worst records in the A-League this season, I am backing Macarthur to claim the win here.
Head to head
Macarthur Bulls claimed a 2-1 victory in their only previous meeting against Melbourne Victory.
Players to watch
Matt Derbyshire often carries the attacking threat for Macarthur Bulls and has scored 11 goals this season. The forward is priced at 8/11 by bet365 to score anytime while the first goal is set at odds of 3/1 by the same firm.
Rudy Gestede finally ended his goal drought last time out and could be worth keeping an eye on for Melbourne Victory. Unibet has the striker at 12/5 in the anytime goalscorer market while the first goal is valued at 8/1 by the same firm.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Melbourne Victory’s poor defence, Macarthur Bulls could be backed to score in both halves at 5/4 with Sporting Index. They could also be tipped to win both halves at 16/5 with the same firm.
There is also some value in the goals market with over 2.5 goals priced at 8/15 with SBK. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 11/8 with BetVictor while Unibet is offering 16/5 for over 4.5 goals.
This A League match between Macarthur Bulls and Melbourne Victory will be played on May 14, 2021 and kick off at 10:05. Check below for our tipsters best Macarthur Bulls vs Melbourne Victory prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.