Milicic eager for Macarthur to make amends

The Bulls' first home match at Campbelltown Stadium ended in a 2-0 loss to Central Coast last Sunday, a result that didn't sit well with Milicic on a historic occasion for the expansion club.

After a week of reflection, the 46-year-old is challenging his team to erase that memory in their second home match against the Phoenix.

"We had a good turnout the other day and we felt that we disappointed our supporters and members with the performance," Milicic told AAP.

"We're getting another opportunity, a second chance, to get it right.

"Hopefully we've learned the lessons from our from our defeat against the Mariners and we're looking for an improved performance."

Spanish midfielder Benat Etxebarria is pushing for a first start of the season after coming off the bench in Macarthur's opening two games, while Milicic is confident English striker Matt Derbyshire opening his goalscoring account is only a matter of time.

"He's really fitted into the style of football that we want," he said.

"He actually does a lot more work off the ball than people give him credit for, so his movement's been excellent.

"If anything, we haven't done him justice with the service that we've provided him."

The Phoenix also suffered defeat last weekend, falling 2-1 to reigning champions Sydney FC in their first match of the season.

Despite the result, Milicic saw enough from Ufuk Talay's men to know his team are in for a tough match on Saturday.

The former Matildas coach identified Israeli striker Tomer Hemed and Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila as two players his team will have to be wary of.

Both came off the bench in the second-half of the loss to the Sky Blues and Milicic expects them to be fitter and stronger for the run against his team.

"We know that they're a very strong side," Milicic said.

"He (Talay) did a fantastic job with them last year and they'll continue to build on that."

KEY MATCH STATS

* The Phoenix's 2-1 loss to Sydney FC means Ufuk Talay's team are winless in their past six matches in NSW.

* Wellington, with 87 per cent, and Macarthur, with 86 per cent, have the highest pass completion statistics in the league this season.

* Sydney's two goals from outside the box against Wellington last weekend continue a trend, with the Phoenix conceding a higher proportion (21 per cent) of goals from outside the box than any other team in 2019-20.

Australian Associated Press