- Eastern Suburbs are the outright favourites at 1.3, Magic United TFA are 6.75 and the draw 5.5.
- Magic have conceded at least three goals, while Eastern Suburbs have won both of their meetings this year.
Eastern Suburbs are the most likely winner
Easts are heavy favourites to win Saturday's NPL Queensland match against Magic United TFA and that looks the best play for this fixture. Jordan Manning's side will feel that they are the most prepared for finals football after his recent appointment as head coach, and he brings a structured, analytical edge. The Eastern Suburbs' attacking threat should win this game. Andy Pengelly is the sharpest finisher in the box, while Alex Parsons provides them with a second punch up front. The Eastern side are the better all-round team with width and structure, but they have continued to concede regularly during the NPL Queensland run-in, which prevents this game from feeling like a cakewalk. Magic United are a free-flowing attacking unit, but Danny Morton and his coaching staff have struggled to balance their game recently, leading to some heavy defeats. The visitors have conceded three or more in three of their last five matches, and while they have enough going forward to stay in games they have rarely looked solid enough at the back to stop the favourites from scoring.
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals the best value
The BTTS and over 2.5 goal lines are set at 1.4 and 1.22 respectively, which feels like a bit short for an NPL Queensland clash where there will undoubtedly be chances at both ends. The two teams have produced 17 goals across their five most recent matches and while Magic have been much more of a high-scoring side, the Eastern's style should suit a game where the hosts can control the pace and punish any turnovers.
A 2-1 win for the hosts looks the sharpest selection as Magic do have a goal in them, even if they are rarely switched on at the back. Aden Gage-Raftery is their go-to outlet and his recent goal returns have been good enough to keep his side in matches. Eastern have won both of their clashes this year, winning 2-0 in the NPL Queensland and 2-1 in the Queensland Pro Series, so the home side will be very much expected to win.
