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Bulls eye cavalry return for finals push

3 minute read

Macarthur FC are relishing an influx of personnel as their injury issues ease ahead of a likely maiden A-League finals push.

ANTE MILICIC.
ANTE MILICIC. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

The cavalry are on the way for Macarthur as the A-League newcomers look to seal a finals berth in their inaugural season.

The Bulls returned to winning ways in Monday's 2-1 victory over Western United and have lost just one of their past eight.

Macarthur are now fourth and all but locked in for finals - but can seal a top six spot - and potentially a home final - when they host Wellington at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday.

"You want to go (into finals) winning more games than losing, you want to go there, getting most of your players available and fit," coach Ante Milicic said.

"You want to be in a position that if you do get into the six, you're not just satisfied with that ... you want to present to your players and to your staff that in a one-off game we're capable of beating anyone.

"So I'm glad that we got the win (over United), we've now got some match minutes into some players that hadn't played a lot of football recently (and) we're starting to get some players back."

Denis Genreau (Socceroos) and Aleksandar Jovanovic (calf) are done for the season but Ivan Franjic played a half against United while Tommy Oar came off the bench - and more players are expected to return from injury soon.

"I'm delighted that Franjic got 45 minutes there as well, so that's important for us," Milicic said.

"(Jake) McGing's now come back, Tommy Oar's come back as well - so they're all players that we hadn't had for a long time.

"(Markel Susaeta's) looking better, Benat (Etxebarria) was there if we needed him tonight ... and (Loic) Puyo's a chance as well (after missing with a calf injury).

"So it's a good situation to be in, when you look how it was a few weeks ago."

Wellington rely on other results going their way but must also beat Macarthur on Friday night in order to make finals.

"We haven't been great at home - we know that. We have to be better," Milicic said.

"But in saying that, that's another opponent that's got quality, that's got so respect for their club and their manager and to their football and they'll want to finish the season on the correct note."

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