APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory Verdict
APIA are flying in the NPL NSW and can pose a serious threat to A-League Melbourne Victory in this quarter-finals. I expect APIA to score, but Victory can edge through to the last four with a hard fought win.
- APIA have scored in 45 of their last 47 games in all comps
- APIA have won six of their last eight games inside 90 mins
- Victory have conceded 1+ goal in 13 of their last 15 games in all comps
- Victory have seen BTTS land in 10 of their last 14 games
- APIA have seen BTTS land in eight of their last nine games
Head To Head
APIA lead 1-0, winning their only previous meeting 3-2 in the 2018 Australia Cup quarter-finals. Nathan Millgate scored the winner in the 80th minute that day.
APIA Leichhardt Form
APIA have been the standout side in the NPL NSW this season, winning 20 of their 28 matches to sit top of the table with only two rounds remaining.
They hold a four-point advantage over second-placed Sydney United, who they face this upcoming weekend, meaning they can secure the silverware by earning a point.
Franco Parisi's side has carried strong form into the closing stages of the campaign, winning six of its last seven league matches - including a most-recent 3-1 victory over SD Raiders, who also feature in the Australia Cup quarter-finals against Sydney FC.
APIA defeated Peninsula Power 2-1 in the R32, with Jack Stewart and Sean Symons both on target, while they conquered rivals Sydney United on penalties in an impressive R16 performance.
Melbourne Victory Form
Victory boast one of the strongest records in the Australia Cup having lifted the trophy twice and finished runners-up in 2024.
New head coach Giovanni Savarese made a winning start to life at Victory, overseeing a comfortable 4-0 victory over Kingsborough Lions in the Round of 32.
Philipp Ziereis, Matthew Grimaldi, Clarismario Santos and Keegan Jelacic all found the back of the net as Victory booked their place in the Round of 16 with an emphatic performance.
Victory then overcame the Wanderers on penalties to make the quarter-finals. Harry Sawyer scored in extra-time and also on the shootout, with WSW missing their last three spot-kicks.