Pig 'N' Whistle Canale Cup RD4 - Last 16 Preview
We're down to the last 16 of Pig 'N' Whistle Canale Cup which kicks-off this week as we head into a catch-up/cup weekend. Here's the RD4 ties coming up and a preview below of each game. Fri 6 Jul, 6.30pm KO: Grange Thistle (FCBPL) v Acacia Ridge (FCBPL) @ Lanham Park. That twist of fate strikes again with these two premier league sides meeting again within a week of their previous clash in the league. Before that league outing, you'd have given Ridge little chance of progressing to the quarter finals but a shock defeat over the league leaders last time out now puts a different slant on this one. Ridge inflicted only the second loss of the season for Thistle and will be hoping they can repeat the 2-1 scoreline from last Saturday. No doubt, Thistle coach Scott Higgins will use last weekend's loss as motivation to press ahead and look to gain revenge by knocking Ridge out of the cup.
Prediction: Surely Acacia Ridge can't repeat their league win? Surely Thistle will bounce back? Interesting tie this one and extra time could be required. Thistle to bounce back with a 3-2 extra time win. Fri 6 Jul, 7.30pm KO: AC Carina (VCL2) Kangaroo Point Rovers (VCL2) @ Brisbane Abruzzo Club. AC Carina are another side that boast an imposing record this season. Yet to be defeated in Viva Capital League 2, their only defeat to date has come in the FFA Cup when Viva Capital League 3 side The Lakes bundled them out. Carina and Rovers met a month ago in the league which resulted in a 5-0 success for the Dolphins. Difficult to see Rovers overturn that deficit on this occasion as Carina look to continue on with their cup run in 2018.
Prediction: Likely to be a similar outcome unless the Dolphins capitulate somehow. 4-0 Carina. Sun 8 Jul, 5.00pm KO: Virginia Utd (FCBPL) v St George Willawong (VCL1) @ Albert Bishop Park. It seems the World Cup has had an impact on the Saints with a number of players currently in Russia. A 9-3 drumming by Moggill last weekend proof that they are currently a weakened side which isn't ideal heading into a knockout clash away to Flight Centre Brisbane Premier League opponents. Virginia, despite their lowly position on the premier league ladder, have only been narrowly beaten on a number of occasions. The visit of a weakened St George side from a division below should see United progress to the quarter finals. That said, they will need to work for it and if they switch off, the Saints could pounce and maybe a repeat of the only previous meeting between these two in an FFA Cup tie two years ago, could be on the cards.
Prediction: Virginia to head into the quarter finals with a 3-1 success.
Tue 10 Jul, 7.30pm KO: Moggil (VCL1) v Ipswich City (VCL1) @ Bellbowrie Sports Club.
Moggill seem to have found their mojo and are the form team in Viva Capital League 1 at present. They toppled premier league title chasers Albany Creek in the last round to reach this stage and have lodged big wins in recent weeks over their league opponents. Due to the playing of an ineligible player, a 3-2 win at promotion contenders Caboolture saw the points awarded to the Snakes but it demonstrates they are the team to watch. For the Bulls, it will be a tough trip to Bellbowrie. The last time these two met, it was City who prevailed but the Geckos are a different proposition now.Prediction: Hard to see Moggill losing this one based on their recent surge in form. 4-1 Moggill. Tue 10 Jul, 7.00pm KO: New Farm Utd (VCL1) v The Lakes (VCL3) @ New Farm Park. A rare game under lights at New Farm Park greets one of two surviving Viva Capital League 3 sides still in the competition when The Lakes take on New Farm Utd. It's an intriguing match up as The Lakes boast a 100% record in the league and are odds on for promotion to Viva Capital League 2, whilst New Farm reside in the bottom half of Viva Capital League 1. New Farm Park may well prove a leveller for both sides but it may not be enough to prevent Lakes from progressing to the last 8.
Prediction: Lakes to edge this one 2-1. Tue 10 Jul, 7.30pm KO: Bayside Utd (FCBPL) v Centenary Stormers (FCBPL) @ Don Randall Oval. Another all premier league tie which sees both sides clash again after a recent league meeting that saw Stormers come away with the points in a narrow 1-0 success. It's likely to be another tight encounter which could require an additional thirty minutes or even penalties to decide. Centenary have found their scoring boots in recent games and will look to continue in that vane for a spot in the quarter finals.
Prediction: Stormers to see off United with a 3-1 win.
Wed 11 Jul, 7.00pm KO: UQFC (FCBPL) v Samford Rangers (VCL2) @ University of QLD 3. UQ are a side that's hard to work out. Currently in fourth spot in the Flight Centre Premier League ladder, they have managed to record some good wins whilst also suffering some unexpected defeats. The visit of Samford Rangers could prove tricky for the Students although Rangers suffered a surprise defeat of their own last time out in the league when losing 1-0 to Bardon Latrobe. Rangers boast attacking strength but will need to take their chances if they stand any chance of causing an upset here.
Prediction: UQ to make hard work of things in a narrow 2-1 win.
Wed 11 Jul, 7.30pm KO: Brisbane Athletic (VCL3) v Caboolture (VCl1) @ Pinkenba Reserve. Two clubs with a similar philosophy will come face to face in this tie. Athletic started the season superbly as they looked to take Viva Capital League 3 by storm, but they have suffered a couple of defeats and were held to a 1-1 draw by Logan Metro in their most recent league outing. Home advantage will be their trump card as they take on a tough Caboolture side keen to prove themselves, with the Snakes in search of promotion to the Flight Centre Brisbane Premier League. It will be a stiff test for the Pinkenba side and they will need to be at their best if they're going to make it through to the last eight.
Prediction: Tough to see beyond a Caboolture win here although Athletic will do their best to make it hard for the Snakes. Caboolture 3-0.
