Two of the newest franchise clubs in the A-League will go head-to-head on Monday night when Western United play host to Macarthur at AAMI Park in Melbourne with both teams jostling for a top six finish (at the time of writing).
Western United have three games remaining of their season to try and salvage their ambitions of making the end of season play-offs.
Tonight's starting XI, brought to you by @SimondsHomes #BattleOfTheBridge #WUNvMVC #WUFC— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) May 28, 2021
Tonight's starting XI, brought to you by @SimondsHomes #BattleOfTheBridge #WUNvMVC #WUFC
But even if the hosts win all three of these matches, the Melbourne outfit also need other results to go their way as well.
However, this may be easier said than done as Western United have lost their last five matches on the trot, losing to Brisbane Roar, Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.
It should be noted that four of these five defeats were inflicted upon western United away from home while on home soil, the hosts have lost just one of their last six matches overall.
Recent results though suggest that this could be a tough assignment for Western United but goals for both sides could feature as the previous two meetings against Macarthur have seen both teams score.
Macarthur still occupy 6th place in the A-League standings despite their recent 2-1 defeat at home to Central Coast Mariners but the visitors know they can ill afford another defeat with the likes of Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory both hot on their heels.
Macarthur had previously put together a promising six-match run without a defeat in the Australian top flight which included home and away wins against Melbourne Victory along with picking up points in draws with Newcastle Jets, Melbourne City and two away stalemates versus Perth Glory.
Three of the four draws resulted in both teams scoring while results away from home started in blistering fashion for the newest addition to the A-League as they won their opening three away games on the trot.
However, reality settled in quickly after that as Macarthur have won just a further three matches from their subsequent nine on the road so perhaps a straight away win here may seem unlikely.
Macarthur need the points though and with star striker, Derbyshire (14 goals) up front, the visitors stand a decent chance of at least hitting the back of the net here.
Both Western United and Macarthur need the three points here and this could unfold into an entertaining game with both teams scoring.