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South Melbourne will play host to Macarthur at Lakeside Stadium in the Australia Cup on Sunday. Both teams are yet to meet in any competition.
South Melbourne vs Macarthur Preview
The 2024 Australia Cup has reached the semi-finals, with three top-flight sides and one lower-division team participating. South Melbourne stunned A-League side Wellington Phoenix 1-0 in the round of 32, before edging Olympic FC 3-2 after extra time in the round of 16. They snatched another extra-time win in the quarterfinals against Hume City 3-2.
Hellas are the only non-top-tier side left in the competition. They ply their trade in the National Premier League (NPL) – a second-tier league spread across several regions. South Melbourne finished atop the table in the NPL Victoria in the regular season but lost the Grand Final to new champions Oakleigh Cannons.
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Macarthur defeated O'Connor Knights 2-1 in the round of 32 to reach the round of 16, where they saw off the challenge of Newcastle Jets 4-3 before overcoming Oakleigh Cannons in the quarterfinals. Macarthur were unable to defend their 2022 Australia Cup title last year, crashing out of the competition in the round of 32.
The Bulls finished fifth out of 12 teams in the 2023–24 A-League. The new season is set for kick-off on October 18. The Australia Cup has also served as a keep-fit for Macarthur, who have not played in any other competition since the off-season. They will hope to make the most of their experience against South Melbourne.
South Melbourne vs Macarthur Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- South Melbourne have won four times and lost once in their last five matches at home in all competitions.
- South Melbourne boast seven wins in their last 10 matches, drawing once and losing twice.
- South Melbourne have scored nine goals and conceded six in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Macarthur have won thrice and lost twice in their last five matches on the road.
- South Melbourne have won four times and lost once in their last five matches while Macarthur have won thrice and lost twice. Form Guide: South Melbourne – W-L-W-W-W, Macarthur – W-W-W-L-L.
South Melbourne vs Macarthur Prediction
South Melbourne have considerably improved their confidence level after knocking out A-League side Wellington Phoenix. The sky could be their limit now.
Macarthur will relish the prospect of reliving their 2022 Australia Cup experience. They have just two more steps to outjump.
Macarthur are the favorites based on form and experience.
Prediction: South Melbourne 1-3 Macarthur
South Melbourne vs Macarthur Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Macarthur to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Macarthur to score first – Yes
Tip 4: South Melbourne to score - Yes
