Heidelberg United vs Wellington Phoenix Tips & Predictions - Heidelberg target second 'Cupset' and semi-final spot

Arguably the best NPL side in the country, Heidelberg will be confident of securing their ticket to the semi-finals. The NPL Victoria high-flyers stunned Sydney FC in the R32 last year and crushed the Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 in the R16 last week. Meanwhile, Phoenix weren't convincing at all as they needed an injury-time winner to edge out NPL Victoria Division 3 team Nunawading City 1-0 in the R16. This is a big step up in class for Wellington and they've traditionally struggled in this competition - all the ingredients are there for Heidelberg to continue their fairytale run into the final four.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams.

Heidelberg have only won one of their last four games, but it was the one that mattered most, demolishing the Wanderers 3-0 in the Australia Cup R16 last week.

An own goal from Alex Bonetig gave Heidelberg their dream start before a penalty to Juach Bul doubled their advantage just before half-time. Anthony Lesiotis then sealed the win in the 91st minute to propel Heidelberg into the last eight.

Earlier, Heidelberg had gone down to South Melbourne in the Dockerty Cup final, while their most-recent clash resulted in a 1-1 draw with Oakleigh Cannons in the NPL this past weekend.

Heidelberg eased past Weston Bears 2-0 in their Australia Cup R32 opener.

It was a hugely disappointing A-League season for Wellington, with the Kiwi club finishing well outside the top six after making the finals the previous campaign.

Phoenix needed to beat Brisbane Roar in a playoff game just to make it into the Australia Cup proper, but they've made the most of their chance, defeating Perth Glory 2-1 on penalties before leaving it late against NPL Victoria 3 side Nunawading City last week.

It's certainly not a result that inspires confidence, but Wellington got the job done, with Hideki Ishige netting the winner in the 94th minute.

Earlier in the off-season, Phoenix also got some confidence under their belt by beating English Championship side Wrexham in a friendly.