A-League: Macarthur FC Focus

Macarthur FC will have set their sights on making finals once again in the 2024/25 A-League campaign.

The Bulls had a solid 2023/24 campaign when finishing fifth on the ladder but will have been disappointed with their early exit from finals.

Now the aim will be to get back there in the season ahead and then edge a step closer to the grand final.

Macarthur can be backed at 3.60 to make the top six, but the competition will be fierce and it would be a big achievement if they can make it.

The club have made some exciting signings for the new season, bringing in a blend of youth and experience that should help them achieve their goals.

Let’s take a look at how Macarthur are shaping up ahead of the new A-League season.

. What: 2024/25 A-League season
. Where: Venues across Australia and New Zealand
. When: October 2024 to May 2025
. How to watch: Paramount+, Channel 10
. Odds: Central Coast Mariners 5.00, Melbourne Victory 5.50, Melbourne City 6.00, Macarthur FC 19.00

Bulls made progress last season

Macarthur can be happy with the way they performed during the 2023/24 A-League campaign as they finished fifth on the ladder.

It was a huge improvement on the season before when they finished bottom and picked up the wooden spoon for the first time in their short history.

Some stability returned last season and, after winning their last two games of the regular season, they managed to secure a spot in finals.

They fell at the first hurdle, losing 4-0 to Sydney FC in the elimination final, but can take heart from the fact that some progress had been made.

The battle to make the top six will be intense again, but the Bulls should be in the mix if they can get their season off to a good start.

Macarthur add experience to the mix

Macarthur look to have made some shrewd signings heading into the new campaign, bringing in players who know what the A-League is all about.

Midfielder Luke Brattan is the perfect example, having won four A-League titles during a career that has seen him play for Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.

Chris Ikonomidis is another. The former Socceroos forward has played for Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory and will add experience and flair to the Macarthur attack.

Winger Marin Jakolis has experience of playing in Europe, but most recently was on the books of Melbourne City.

Meanwhile, one of the most exciting signings of the off-season sees Belgian centre-back Dino Arslanagic sign for the season ahead.

Having played for the likes of Royal Antwerp, he will certainly add quality and experience to the Bulls defence.

Macarthur have also been boosted by midfielder Daniel De Silva penning a one-year contract extension with the club.

Glory first up for Bulls

Macarthur kick-off their season with what has to be viewed as a must-win game when Perth Glory come to town.

Glory look set to be one of the sides in and around Macarthur, so it is important the Bulls get the job done on home turf.

Macarthur are 2.15 to win the game, the draw is 3.75, while a Glory win can be backed at 3.00.