Macarthur FC, the 12th and newest team in the A-League competition will open their account in their debut season against cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday 30th Dec 2020 kicking off at 7.10pm AEDT.
It’s been a long build-up to this point for the Bulls after gaining entry into the national competition back in 2018 along with Western United.
With strong ties to the south-west Sydney region, the Bulls have recruited strongly with Head Coach Ante Milicic taking time to gradually grow his inaugural squad with a balance of experience and youth, with majority of the squad new to the A-League.
With Premier League experience in the form of striker Matt Derbyshire and gloveman Adam Federici and over 500 games of La Liga quality with Benat and Susaeta, all joining the 8th highest capped Socceroo Mark Milligan, there is plenty for Bulls fans to get excited about in their debut season.
Just down the M7, the Wanderers have had a mixed 2020 with the departure of former manager Markus Babbel in January, and caretaker turned full-time gaffer Jean-Paul deMaringy, three months after appointed to the role permanently.
Beginning the 2020/21 pre-season without a head coach, the Wanderers swiftly secured the services of Welsh international Carl Robinson from Newcastle Jets. While Red & Black fans began to feel frustrated at the lack of new signings to the club, Robinson had a late flourish with Mariners Ziggy Gordon, Newcastle’s Bernie Ibini and James Troisi from the Reds, all joining the Blacktown based club in recent weeks.
The stage is set – all be it 3 days delayed due NSW Health guidelines, for the newest rivalry to be born in Australian football. Will it be the Wanderers prevailing at home or will the Bulls barge into Bankwest Stadium?
Match details
Wednesday 30 December 2020
Kick-off 7.10pm AEDT
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports