Preston Lions vs South Melbourne Verdict
Two NPL Victoria sides meet in the Australia Cup quarter-finals and South Melbourne are value for an upset on the road. The Hellas have won two of the last three meetings and are backed in the Double Chance and H2H markets.
- South Melbourne are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 games
- South Melbourne have won seven of their last 10 games
- South Melbourne are unbeaten in their last three encounters vs Preston, winning two
- Preston are unbeaten in their last 13 games, winning 10
- South Melbourne are 2-0 in previous Australia Cup quarter-finals
Head To Head
South Melbourne have fared well in this H2H since Preston got back to the NPL Vic, going unbeaten in the last three matchups - although the most-recent clash ended in a 0-0 stalemate last month. South came away with a big 3-0 win on the road to Preston in April.
Preston Lions Form
Preston have emerged as an NPL Victoria powerhouse over the last couple of seasons and they continue to impress.
Zoran Markovski's side have wrapped up a finals spot in the league after a 13-game unbeaten run, winning 10 of those fixtures - however, their most-recent game ended in a 0-0 draw with Dandenong City this past weekend.
But it's the Australia Cup where Preston have made headlines, coming back from 2-0 down to conquer reigning champions Newcastle Jets 3-2 in the R32 before easing past Brunswick Juventus 4-1 in the R16.
Jonas Markovski, Lleyton Brooks, and Jamal Ali all got on the scoresheet in that win, along with an own goal.
South Melbourne Form
It was a slow start to the NPL Vic season for South Melbourne, but they've hit some good form over the last couple of months, going unbeaten in nine of their last 10 games in all comps.
It was a rollecoaster game, with South losing the lead and then coming back to force extra-time after goals from Arran Cocks, David Yoo and Bul Juach. South then prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to advance into their third Australia Cup quarter-final.
That form has propelled Siniša Cohadzić's side into fifth spot on the ladder and a place in the finals, while they've also excelled in the Australia Cup.
The Hellas started with an impressive 2-1 win over three-time winners Adelaide United before edging past Fremantle City 3-3 on penalties in the R16.
It was a rollecoaster game, with South losing the lead and then coming back to force extra-time after goals from Arran Cocks, David Yoo and Bul Juach. South then prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to advance into their third Australia Cup quarter-final.