Macarthur FC will be looking for their first win at Campbelltown Sports Stadium when they host Western Sydney Wanderers tonight.
But they will have to do it without their captain, Mark Milligan, who is serving a one match suspension after receiving a red card in last week’s 3-0 loss to Sydney FC.
Head coach Ante Milicic concedes not having the vastly experienced former Socceroo will be a big loss.
But Milicic says he expects to see some of the senior players step up to fill the leadership void on the field against Western Sydney.
“Yes, he’s a huge loss for us,’’ the coach told the media in his last press conference before the match.
“But we have enough experienced players who can show leadership out on the field,’’ he said.
They include goalkeeper Adam Federici, pictured above, who has been handed the captain’s armband for tonight’s match.
Milicic also admitted the Bulls were keen to record their first victory at Campbelltown.
After three games at home, a draw with Wellington Phoenix is the best effort so far, which included losses to the Central Coast Mariners and reigning A-League champions Sydney FC.
“It’s something to address, and there’s no better time than against our Western Sydney rivals.
“It would also be a way to reward our fans, who have been very supportive of the team,’’ Milicic said.
Asked about starting local hero Lachie Rose (pictured below) against the Wanderers tonight, the coach was full of praise for the youngster.
“Lachie showed quality when he came on last week and he created a couple of chances.
“He has raw ability and passion but you’ve got to remember he’s come up from NPL2 so we don’t want to put too many expectations on him.
“He will be in the mix when we decide the final line up,’’ Milicic said.
The match will kick off at 7.10pm.
Macarthur FC
- Adam Federici (captain)
3. Antony Golec
4. Benat Etxebarria
6. Aleksandar Jovanovic
7. Ivan Franjic
8. Denis Genreau
10. Loic Puyo
11. Tommy Oar
12. James Meredith
14. Moudi Najjar
15. Aleksandar Susnjar
16. Nick Suman (goalkeeper)
19. Michael Ruhs
21. Jake Hollman
22. Liam Rose
23. Walter Scott
24. Charles M’mombwa
27. Matt Derbyshire
31. Lachlan Rose
33. Markel Susaeta
Ins: Aleksandar Susnjar, Michael Ruhs and Walter Scott.
Outs: Mark Milligan (suspended one match)
