The following are previews with betting tips for the semi-finals of the 2018 FFA Cup.
Compare the latest FFA Cup odds
Friday, October 5
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Bentleigh Greens vs. Adelaide United7:30 PM, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex |
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Last Game: For Bentleigh they defeated Heidelburg United in dramatic fashion scoring an 87th minute winner via Jacob Alexander. The match ended in both a tight and tense 1-0 victory. That follows off of their defeat of A-League opposition Wellington and a 4-0 smashing of Broadmeadow Magic. While their semi-final vs Avondale FC saw them lose 4-3 in a match they should have won, but somehow lost. They lost their lead and went down in dramatic fashion. Yet despite that from their regular season they produced 53 goals from 26 matches along with a goal difference of +25. They could hardly complain about that. And another one of their recent games saw them put six past the Bulleen Lions.
While for Adelaide they defeated a gallant APIA side 2-0 to advance through to the Final Four. Despite eliminating Melbourne Victory 2-0 earlier in the FFA Cup, their would be no repeat upset on the cards for the Tigers. However, despite the scoreline last years competition runner ups were made to work extremely hard by the home side. They first found the back of the net through Craig Goodwin in the 71st minute of the match. They then sealed the deal with a Mirko Boland strike nine minutes later. Two massive positives for United was their 21 shots at goal and 64% possession. Two things that’ll no doubt come in handy against the last remaining non A-League side in the Cup.
Who’ll Be Victorious?: Adelaide, Adelaide and Adelaide. No matter which way you spin it there’s not a chance in the world that a monumental FFA Cup upset will occur in this game. Adelaide are the A-League side and the ones that made it to the Final last campaign. They are the side that eliminated APIA, arguably one of the top non-A-League sides participating in the competition. While they are led by a number of extremely talented players, something that despite all the hard work in the world from Bentleigh, they can’t make up for. Craig Goodwin is on fire with three goals from three matches. And with Paul Izzo in goals Adelaide haven’t conceded a single goal either. While with quality, quality players such as Isaías and Boland in the midfield, the A-League side simply has to much talent for the Greens to contend with. Expect a very spirited effort from Bentleigh, but for Adelaide to advance by at least two goals.
Best Bet: Pick Adelaide to be victorious at $1.62 (Sportsbet)
Also pick over 2.50 goals to be scored at $1.50 (Bet365)
Saturday, October 6
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Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC7:30 PM, Panthers Stadium |
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Last Game: The Red & Black prevailed in the end with two first-half strikes proving to be the difference in a 2-1 victory over Melbourne City. Oriol Riera struck first in the 33rd minute, then Roly Bonevacia did so only eight minutes later. Riley McGree got one back for the opposition in the 53rd minute, but it mattered little as the Wanderers are the ones who made it to the Final Four. It was a game that the Wanderers dominated as they had 67% of the ball and kept Melbourne to having very little of it. However the result could have turned out very, very differently indeed had Bruno Fornaroli not missed an early penalty attempt for City. This was a crucial moment within the match.
As for their Sky Blue rivals absolutely nothing came easy up against Avondale FC. The Sky Blues opened the scoring through Trent Buhagiar in the 17th minute and then by the 28th minute he had a double. However it was game on and 2-all when two Liam Boland striks within the 56-61st minutes of the match went into the back of the net. The reigning FFA Cup Champions were absolutely stunned and the game ended up going into Extra Time. However it was their Sydney showed their experience and calmness under pressure as Milos Ninkovic bagged one, as well as Adam Le Fondre getting his debut goal for the Sky Blues. Sydney were made to fight very hard for the 4-2 victory.
Who’ll be Victorious?: This has all the ingredients for a very spicy affair. In what is a first ever FFA Cup clash between the two major rivals it is a game not to be missed. With the game being played out West the Wanderers have the obvious home advantage. However Sydney have won eight of their past 13 games against the Red and Black to go along with four draws. That historical dominance should massively benefit the Sky Blues. While in addition to past history Adam Le Fondre could prove to be the difference maker in what should be a tightly contested match between the two differing sides of Sydney. He’s now scored a fair few goals for Sydney in both trial games and his only FFA Cup appearance. And he is very experienced from his time banging them into the back of the net over in England. Those two factors should see the Sky Blues get over the hump with a close victory.
Best Bet: Pick Sydney to be victorious at $2.25 (Bet365, BlueBet, Neds, Sportsbet)
Also pick both teams to find the back of the net at $1.53 (Bet365)