APIA Leichhardt vs Sydney United Verdict
APIA and Sydney United are the top two teams in the NPL NSW and one will book a place in the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup. I'm expecting a tight game with under 2.5 goals with Sydney United the value play.
- United have seen Under 2.5 goals in 18 of their 27 NPL games this season
- APIA's most-recent game was a 0-0 draw with St George
- United have won five of the last seven meetings between the teams
- United have the best defence in the NPL NSW, leaking just 19 goals in 27 games
APIA Leichhardt Form - Flying Form
APIA are flying in the NPL NSW, winning 19 of their 27 games to be top of the ladder with three games remaining, four points clear of their opponents here.
It's been a good recent stretch of form, with APIA winning five of their last six games - although they did stumble somewhat this past weekend after being held to a 0-0 stalemate with last-placed St George Saints.
APIA defeated Peninsula 2-1 in their Australia Cup R32, with Jack Stewart and Sean Symons getting on the scoresheet.
Star striker Presley Ortiz has 17 goals in the NPL this term and will be the main man up front.
Symons had five shots from fullback in the R32 win over Peninsula and will no doubt be looking to get forward again here.
This is the sixth time that APIA have advanced into the Australia Cup R16.
Sydney United Form - 4 Wins In 5
United are breathing down the necks of APIA in the race for the NPL minor premiership in NSW, four points adrift with three games remaining.
Miro Vlastelica's side have won four of their last five games in the NPL, including a most-recent 2-1 triumph over Wollongong Wolves.
It was a memorable night for United in the R32 against the Mariners, with star striker Michael Krslovic coming off the bench to slot home the equaliser in the 90th minute from a penalty to force extra-time.
The game ended up going to a shootout, with 21 of the 22 players scoring before United closed out the 11-10 victory, sending their fans at Edensor Park into euphoric celebrations.
United won the Australia Cup in 2022, but that was the only time they've advanced beyond the R16.