Preview: Macarthur vs. Western United - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking for their first win in three games, Macarthur welcome Western United to the Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors come into this one in search of consecutive league victories, after claiming a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar last time out.

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Match preview

After an impressive start to life in the Australian top flight, new boys Macarthur look to have finally run out of steam.

Following a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Central Coast Mariners last Monday, Ante Milicic's men took on Melbourne City looking to return to winning ways.

However, they fell to another loss as Patrick Kisnorbo's side cruised to a 3-0 win at the AAMI Park last time out.

In-form striker Jamie Maclaren scored two goals in three minutes before Craig Noone completed the rout all in the first 35 minutes of the game.

The Bulls have now dropped to sixth in the A-League table, two places and three points ahead of Saturday's visitors.

Western United come into this tie off the back of ending their two-game losing streak with a home win against Brisbane Roar.

A 72nd-minute strike from Dylan Pierias was all that separated both sides as Mark Rudan's men claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win.

While the Geelong outfit are seated in eighth place, they have two games in hand over most of their rivals, and they will be confident of moving up the table in the coming weeks.

Western United now seek to do the league double over Saturday's hosts, after grabbing a comfortable 4-1 win in February's reverse fixture.

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Team News

Macarthur will be without the services of 24-year-old striker Milislav Popovic, who is out with a hamstring injury.

Other than that, Milicic has the luxury of a fully fit squad to select from on Saturday, and we expect the 46-year-old to name his strongest starting XI.

Western United goalkeeper Filip Kurto is a doubt for Saturday's encounter as he recovers from a concussion.

Veteran defender Andrew Durante is also expected to return to the starting XI after serving his suspension for a red card picked up in the 2-0 defeat to Sydney FC.

Macarthur possible starting lineup:

Federici; Meredith, Milligan, Jovanovic, Franjic; Etxebarria, Genreau; Najjar, Puyo, Susaeta; Derbyshire

Western United possible starting lineup:

Scott; Imai, Uskok, Hamill; Pierias, Sanchez, Skotadis, Pain; Diamanti, Berisha, Guarrotxena

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We say: Macarthur 1-1 Western United

Despite their recent slump, Macarthur have been decent this season, and with both sides evenly matched on paper, we predict a share of the spoils at the Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.

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