South Melbourne vs Adelaide United Australia Cup Tips & Prediction - South Melbourne to challenge three-time champions
South Melbourne and Adelaide United face off for the first time in the Australia Cup, with both teams carrying notable form into the clash. South Melbourne, bolstered by home support and solid recent performance, are tipped to cause problems for the A-League giants, Adelaide United. Historically, Adelaide have drawn frequently with 1-1 score lines, while South have proven dangerous cup 'giant killers.' Expect a close contest, with a 1-1 draw and Under 2.5 goals as the key betting recommendations.
- South Melbourne vs Adelaide United predictions for Thursday's Australia Cup R32 game
- Adelaide record three-time winners, but last triumphed in 2019
- South Melbourne in good form with home ground advantage - tipped to be competitive
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Thursday July 30
South Melbourne vs Adelaide United Australia Cup Tips & Prediction
Arguably the biggest NPL club in the country, South Melbourne have their sights set on upsetting three-time Australia Cup champions Adelaide United - I give them a good chance in a game that features Under 2.5 goals, with value on a 1-1 correct score that was very familiar to Reds' fans towards the end of the A-League season.
Adelaide are the most successful club in Australia Cup history, winning the trophy three times - although all of those triumphs came between 2014-2019. The Reds haven't made the final since, with their best result over the last seven years coming in 2024, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Melbourne Victory. Last year they went down in the R32 against eventual winners Newcastle Jets.
Meanwhile, South Melbourne have one 'Cupset' over an A-League club under their belt after beating Wellington Phoenix in 2024, with the team going all the way to the semi-finals that year before falling to Macarthur.
South Melbourne always have tremendous support at Lakeside Stadium and their passionate fans will turn the venue into a fortress for this one. As always, A-League clubs are prone to being caught cold at this stage of the Australia Cup, with the season still three months away, while NPL clubs are smack bang in the thick of their respective campaigns.
South Melbourne are in solid form heading into this clash and will be very hard to beat for Adelaide's first competitive game since the middle of May. I'm backing South Melbourne in the Double Chance market, with a bit of value on Under 2.5 goals. A correct score of 1-1 appeals given Adelaide's recent history.
South Melbourne vs Adelaide United Stats & Trends
- Adelaide have drawn six of their last 10 competitive games
- All six of those draws were by a 1-1 score
- South Melbourne are unbeaten in their last four games, winning three
- South Melbourne have seen Under 2.5 goals in three of their last four games
- South Melbourne's last two Australia Cup games vs A-League teams saw Under 2.5 goals
South Melbourne vs Adelaide United Head To Head
This will be the first meeting between the two clubs.
South Melbourne Form Analysis
South Melbourne are currently fifth in the NPL Victoria standings, winning 11 of their 22 games with an even 33-33 goal difference.
After a poor run of form, South Melbourne have established themselves inside the top six, going unbeaten in their last four games and winning three.
The Hellas will be confident heading into this clash after a most-recent 2-1 victory over NPL leaders Oakleigh Cannons.
South Melbourne Team News
David Yoo and Marco Jankovic got on the scoresheet in the win over Oakleigh and should feature in this one.
Max Mikkola is the top scorer for South Melbourne this season with five goals, while A-League 200-gamer Paulo Retre is also on the clubs' books.
Adelaide United Form Analysis
It was a great season for Adelaide in the A-League as they finished second during the regular season before ultimately falling to eventual winners Auckland in the semi-finals.
However, they lacked a killer instinct during the back-end of the campaign that cost them, managing just three wins from their last nine games.
The Reds benefit from having a bit more preseason under their belts than other A-League clubs for this Australia Cup, winning a pair of friendlies over the last fortnight against Cove FC (5-0) and Playford Patriots (2-0).
Adelaide United Team News
Adelaide continue to produce outstanding young talent and they've seen two more promising players depart overseas, with Luka Jovanovic joining San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS and Yaya Dukily signing with Slovenian champions Celje.
There's still plenty of experience with the likes of Craig Goodwin and Ryan Kitto, while 18-year-old Amlani Tatu - who has drawn comparisons with Reds alumni Nestory Irankunda - also a chance to feature here.
Verdict
South Melbourne can finish level at the end of 90 minutes in a game that sees Under 2.5 goals.
South Melbourne
Double Chance (Win or Draw)
$1.80 - 2 Units
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Under 2.5
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