The following are previews with betting tips for the quarter-finals of the 2018 FFA Cup.
Compare the latest FFA Cup odds
Wednesday, September 19
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Melbourne City vs. Western Sydney Wanderers7:30 PM, AAMI Mark |
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Last Game: The hosts got their revenge, avenging their semi-final defeat of last season as Melbourne City came through with a 1-0 win against the Jets. In the process knocking last years A-League Grand Finalists out of the competition. Similar to their previous victory over Brisbane, it was a tight encounter. While also similar in that Bruno Fornaroli scored the only goal of the game. That’s twice in two weeks now the inspirational Uruguayan Footballer has come up clutch when his sides needed him to. Something also interesting to note from this match was Aussie Riley McGree facing up against his former side for the first time. While it was his scorpion-kick against Melbourne themselves that gained him worldwide attention. And in transfer news for the Sky Blue side of Melbourne, goalkeeper Dean Bounzanis has left to pursue a career in Europe. All the best to him because of it.
As for Marcus Babbel’s new look Wanderers side, it was yet another lucky escape as for the second straight time they beat non-A-League opposition by only a single goal. They defeated Bonnyrigg 2-1 in what was a close match. Baumjohann got his debut strike for Western Sydney in only the 12th minute of the match. However no one from either team found the back of the net again until Diaz did so in the 65th minute for the Eagles. From there it was 1-1 and game on again. However it was game over only nine minutes later as Hamill scored what proved to be the winner for the Wanderers in the 74th minute. Four members of Bonnyrigg’s starting eleven got yellow cards in what proved to be a bit of a feisty match-up between the two Western suburbs based sides.
Who’ll Be Victorious: Expect a very, very close game to be the result in this one. Both sides have done well to get to this point, but only one can prevail and make it through to the Final Four. Expect the Wanderers to edge out City in what should be a gripping affair. They get the nod over City from me purely because of four players in their front four. What Riera and Bonevacia will do to City if their on their game will terrorize their defence, Eugene Galekovic included. While a strong factor as well in this game will be Nick Fitzgerald looking to perform strongly against his former employers. A side in which he played 70 games for and scored nine strikes. Combined with this what Alexander Baumjohann brings in the midfield is exceptional and he can only player better after scoring his maiden goal for Western Sydney last round. The former Bayern man knows how to get it done and is very good with the ball. Expect that to be the difference in a Western Sydney victory.
Best Bet: Pick the Wanderers to win at $4.50 (Bet365)
Also pick both teams to score at $1.72 (Bet365)
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Avondale FC vs Sydney FC7:30 PM, ABD Stadium |
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Last Game: Avondale destroyed Devonport City FC winning four goals to one. While it was a team effort for the victors as they had four different goal-scorers during the game. They were Sheppard, Archibald, Kamsoba and Germano. Last campaign in the Victorian NPL, Avondale scored a massive 57 goals, good for second best in the League. And their 32 conceded was still fourth best as they finished a more than respectable 3rd. Similar to the opponents that last seasons FFA Cup winners have faced this campaign, Avondale might pose a few problems and threats to the Sky Blues. However, not at all diminishing their win, but it did help them that with the game somewhat evenly poised at 2-1 their opponents had a man sent of for the final 13 minutes of the game, plus injury time.
As for the Sky Blues, similar to the Rockdale game, it was a way tougher assignment then it should have been as they beat North Queensland 2-1 in what was a close, close match. The hosts scared the Sky Blues and actually opened the scoring through Cavanah in the 17th minute. And it took Sydney nearly an hour later (64th minute), to respond through Alex Brosque, with the strong leader bagging his 3rd goal of this current FFA Cup. And then only three minutes later Trent Buhagiar sealed the result with a nice strike. However eight minutes later Andrew Redmayne did very, very well to save a North Queensland penalty attempt and keep the game at 2-1. While in some positive news for Sydney, new signing and former Bolton player Adam le Fondre bagged a goal for the Sky Blues in a recently played trial game. The side and Steve Corica will no doubt be hoping he can do it against Avondale.
Who’ll Be Victorious: Sorry to shut down Avondale’s fairy tale run to the Final Eight, but this is where it will end. Sydney’s new signings de Jong and le Fondre can only continue to get better and more used to and comfortable with Sydney’s style of play with every minute they get out on the field. With what they’re able to offer, combined with Alex Brosque’s recent goal-scoring spree means that this game will be to out of reach for Avondale to grab. While as the season continues to get closer and closer Sydney’s sturdy defence will be looking to hold strong against a side that as previously mentioned, loves to find the back of the net. Avondale will have their moments, but Sydney should prove to classy for them.
Best Bet: Pick Sydney to win at $1.25 (TopBetta, Bet365)
Also pick Sydney to score the last goal of the match at $1.25 (TopBetta)
Wednesday, September 26
Best Bets for Bentleigh vs Heidelberg and APIA vs Adelaide:
Pick Heidelberg to be victorious at $1.95 (TopBetta)
Pick last seasons runner ups to defeat a defiant APIA at 1.50 (TopBetta, Bet365)