While they may never admit it outwardly, Western United has to be a little bit relieved they will be facing Adelaide in the first Elimination Final instead of Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues would have been a much tougher task than the Reds, who have won just one of their last 11 matches and twice in their last 14.
To further erode confidence in Adelaide’s chances, since January 19 they have taken just 11 of a possible 42 points, by comparison last placed Perth took 12 of 42 points over that same run.
Not to mention golden boot winner Archie Goodwin saw his season come to an end with a hamstring injury in Adelaide’s last outing against Melbourne City.
That seems likely to hamper an attack that has struggled a lot in the last month, which will not help them against the league’s second most potent forward line.
John Aloisi’s side scored four goals last weekend in their win over Auckland and they also won the last meeting between these sides 3-0.
All signs are pointing towards a Western United win and it could be by a convincing margin when all is said and done.
BEST: Western United to Win (90 Minutes) $1.80 | VALUE: Western United to Win Both Halves $4.50
You may as well toss a coin when trying to split the Wanderers and Victory in this match because there is not much between them.
Western Sydney’s 4-2 win on March 15 was the difference on the ladder and the reason this game is in Parramatta as opposed to Melbourne.
That game was also the first time since 2022 a game between these sides was decided by more than a one goal margin and extra time here is very much on the cards.
The draw looks like it is the best value in this market and with that market hitting in three of the Wanderers last six, it is the best play here.
Do not be surprised if this one gets decided from the spot.
BEST: Draw (90 Minutes) $3.70 | VALUE: Draw/Draw HT/FT Double $5.50