Macarthur Bulls wrap up their regular season campaign in the A-League with a clash against Wellington Phoenix at Campbelltown Stadium. Wellington need nothing less than a win to maintain their slim hopes of making the playoffs but with Macarthur looking solid in recent weeks, Friday’s clash is likely to end in a draw.
Macarthur confirmed their playoff spot with a 2-1 victory at Western United in their previous A-League fixture. Efforts from Markel Susaeta and Mark Milligan gave them a two-goal lead at the break and they held on for the win despite conceding midway through the second half.
It has been a successful debut campaign for Ante Milicic’s men who are set to secure a playoff finish as they sit fourth on the table, four points clear of seventh place Wellington Phoenix. They have suffered just one defeat from their last eight matches, although four of those fixtures have ended in draws.
Macarthur have also been slightly unconvincing at home with just one win and two draws from their last five fixtures at Campbelltown Stadium. They are without a clean sheet in their last five matches.
Wellington Phoenix threw away an early lead as they were held 2-2 by Perth Glory last time out in the A-League. Tomer Hemed’s first half opener was cancelled out by Perth before Jaushua Sotirio salvaged a point 10 minutes from time.
Sitting just two points outside the top six, Wellington still maintain slim hopes of making the playoffs. However, the home draw against Perth Glory means they would have to rely on other results on the final day in order to extend their season.
Ufuk Talay's men travel to Campbelltown Stadium unbeaten in their last 10 matches with four away draws in that run. Like Macarthur, they have also struggled defensively lately, keeping just one clean sheet in their last four matches and conceding three goals in the last two.
How the bookies view it
Macarthur Bulls are considered favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 11/9 by SBK. A victory for Wellington Phoenix is valued at 11/5 by BetVictor while MansionBet is offering 45/17 for a draw.
Both teams have shown similar form in recent weeks and look set to cancel each other out for a draw.
Head to head
Both teams have met twice this season with Macarthur claiming a win and a draw. The last meeting finished 1-1 at Campbelltown Stadium back in January.
Players to watch
Macarthur top scorer Matt Derbyshire was not on target against Western United but had a hand in both goals. The striker will be keen to add to his 14 A-League goals this season and could be worth a punt in the anytime goalscorer market at 20/21 with bet365.
Tomer Hemed has been in good form for Wellington Phoenix in recent weeks with five goals from his last four matches. He will be the man tasked with carrying the team’s attacking threat on Sunday and is priced at 2/1 by Sporting Index to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 3.5 goals in Wellington Phoenix’s last fixture and Unibet is offering 17/10 for a similar outcome. Over 2.5 goals is valued at 4/6 by BetVictor while MansionBet is offering 7/12 on both teams to score.
Macarthur and Wellington Phoenix often get their goals after the break so both teams could be backed to score in the second half at 7/4 with bet365. The second half could also be picked as the highest scoring half at evens with Sporting Index.
This A League match between Macarthur Bulls and Wellington Phoenix will be played on Jun 4, 2021 and kick off at 10:05. Check below for our tipsters best Macarthur Bulls vs Wellington Phoenix prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.