- Bayside Argonauts' are on a scoring spree after smashing Kingston City 5-0 and Werribee City 2-0 in their last two VPL2 matches.
- Box Hill United followed up their 2-1 win over the struggling Springvale White Eagles with a 2-0 loss at home to Werribee City.
- Bayside Argonauts and Box Hill United are separated by just one point in the VPL2 table.
Bayside are on a roll
Bayside are playing front-foot, high-pressing soccer and the team is full of pace and energy, transitioning quickly and pressing forward with the ball. They are not afraid to take a risk going forward, and they have been rewarded for their adventurous style with some big results of late.
Box Hill are a much more conservative outfit, with their senior players favouring a compact, organized shape that can be tough to break down. They have the defensive leaders who can keep the side organised and midfield generals who can direct the tempo and pick up Bayside's attack.
Box Hill boss Tony Merakis is an old-school coach who's not afraid to put young players into the squad, and his teams are always tough to beat.
Bayside are favourites, but Box Hill are not to be underestimated
Bayside have won their last two VPL2 fixtures to move into the top half of the promotion race, and with this mid-season clash of teams separated by just a point, the points at stake are significant.
Bayside are slight favourites at 2.04, and with Box Hill priced at 2.96 and the draw at 3.66, it seems clear the bookmakers favour the home team.
However, Box Hill have mixed recent form, so there are some grounds for betting on a Bayside win.
Bayside’s attacking unit are the biggest threat
Bayside's forward line bagged seven in the last two matches, and they are now looking like a team that can score a few goals at any time. Box Hill have been relatively solid at the back and have an experienced senior core who have been the foundation of a solid midfield.
The contrast in styles should play out in the midfield and on the break, with the team that secures the midfield will most likely win the match.
With the game likely to be open, the 'Over 2.5 goals' market is heavily favoured at 1.49, and our selection is for a 2-1 Bayside victory.
The draw is also a very likely outcome, and with cool and potentially wet conditions, the field could be slick and favour Bayside's faster attacking style of play.