Heidelberg United vs Auckland FC Tips & Predictions - Can Heidelberg continue giant-killing run into final?

It's been an incredible competition for NPL Victoria side Heidelberg - they've conquered two A-League teams in the Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix to advance into the semi-finals, but it's been the manner in which they've dispatched them that's been most impressive. Indeed, Heidelberg have crushed both A-League sides, easing past the Wanderers 3-0 before a 4-0 demolition of Wellington in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Auckland are competing in their first Australia Cup and are now favourites for the trophy, overcoming Sydney FC on penalties to secure their place in the final four.

This is a tough one to call. Auckland are obviously deserved favourites, but I do think they are there for the taking. Heidelberg's level is basically the same of a lower-half A-League side in these conditions - playing at home and facing another A-League side who are still largely in preseason. Heidelberg have thoroughly outclassed Western Sydney and Wellington, so I'm going to back them to avoid defeat within 90 minutes here.

This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams.

Heidelberg are currently in second spot on the NPL Victoria ladder, behind only Avondale FC, who are competing in the other Australia Cup semi-final against the Newcastle Jets.

However, all focus right now is rightly on the Australia Cup following a most-recent 2-2 draw with Port Melbourne in the league this past weekend.

Starting their campaign in the R32 with a 2-0 dispatch of Western Bears, Heidelberg have raised their level to record back-to-back victories over A-League sides to reach the semi-finals. The 4-0 win over Wellington was the biggest ever 'Cupset' by margin of goals, while Heidelberg have now beaten four A-League sides throughout their history in the competition.

Watch out for 23-year-old Japanese playmaker Asahi Yokokawa, who has scored two goals and created two assists in his last three matches.

Auckland put together a successful debut A-League campaign, winning the minor premiership before being knocked out in the semi-finals by Melbourne Victory.

Now competing in the Australia Cup for the first time, Auckland are targeting more silverware.

It was a comfortable initiation into the tournament as Auckland sailed past Gold Coast Knights 4-0 and South Melbourne 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Steve Corica's side then pulled off a memorable victory over Sydney FC last week, advancing on penalties as goalkeeper Michael Woud proved the hero. Jesse Randal has proved the main attacking threat, scoring three goals this competition.