It’s a huge all-Victorian derby to bring the Hahn Australia Cup quarter-finals to a close, as Preston Lions take on South Melbourne on Wednesday evening.
Preston Lions have been in red-hot form in the NPL Victoria, but Australian Championship winners South Melbourne know just how to turn up on the big stage.
Read our preview of the action below.
Preston Lions v South Melbourne
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Genis Steel Stadium
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets
Nights at Genis Steel Stadium don’t get much bigger as Preston Lions hope to overcome their biggest rivals to reach the semi-finals in their first ever appearance on the national stage.
Preston caused a ‘Cupset’ in the Round of 32 with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle before easing past fellow Victorian side Moreland Zebras 4-1 in the Round of 16.
The Lions are currently undefeated in fourteen matches across the league in the Cup and are set to compete in the NPL Victoria semi-finals this season. They possess quality in all areas of the pitch, from the experienced Ryan Scott in goal to the creative Luca Tevere up top, and will hope to keep a remarkable debut in the competition rolling for at least one more round.
South Melbourne, meanwhile, are coming off a defeat to Heidelberg in the league but are no strangers to performing on the big stage.
They, too, pulled off a ‘Cupset’ in the Round of 32 – defeating Adelaide United 2-1 – before overcoming Fremantle City on penalties after a rollicking Round of 16 affair. Their experience in reaching the semi-finals in 2017 and 2024 will hold them in good stead.
Bul Juach could be the key man for South. The man nicknamed the ‘raging Bul’ has had a quieter year than normal in front of goal but has proven that he can score when his team needs him most.
It is set to be an exhilarating match in front of a huge crowd in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The winner will take on NPL QLD’s in-form Lions FC in the semi-final.
