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South Melbourne vs Lions FC Tips & Live Stream - Australia Cup Final spot at stake for NPL sides

andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie
Editor
Last updated: Mon 14 Sep 2026 19:02
South Melbourne faces Lions FC for the first time in a high-stakes Australia Cup semi-final. South Melbourne advanced past A-League opposition but arrive in mixed form, while Lions FC have dominated their domestic competitions and impressed nationally, recently defeating two A-League teams en route to the semi-final. The match is expected to be tense and low-scoring, with both teams' recent records suggesting under 3.5 goals is the best bet. Lions FC, in top form, are considered the value pick, especially for a win or draw.
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Andrew Hendrie 14 Sep 2026
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  • First ever meeting between South Melbourne and Lions FC in Australia Cup semis.
  • Both teams have strong defensive records; under 3.5 goals likely.
  • Lions FC tipped as value pick due to their dominant form.
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queensland lions fc
Lions FC to edge into the final? (Getty Images)


South Melbourne vs Lions FC Verdict


A nervy night is predicted as NPL sides South Melbourne and Lions FC battle for a place in the Australia Cup final. One of the lower leagues sides will emerge from the semi-final and the Lions are value in a low-scoring game.
  • South Melbourne have seen Under 3.5 goals in 13 of their last 14 games in all comps
  • Lions have seen Under 3.5 goals in nine of their last 12 games
  • Lions have seen Under 3.5 goals in two of their three Australia Cup games
  • Lions have won 17 of their last 18 games in all comps

Head To Head

This will be the first meeting between the two clubs.

South Melbourne Form

South Melbourne are into the Australia Cup semi-finals for the second time after a 2017 exit at this stage to Sydney FC.

Sinisa Cohadzic's side began their tournament with a 2-1 upset over A-League club and three-time winners Adelaide United before edging out Fremantle on penalties in the R16 and Preston Lions 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

The Hellas came from behind to beat an in-form Preston, with Jack Painter-Andrews equalising before Arran Cocks 88th-minute winner.

However, South Melbourne have lost two of their three games since, including a 2-1 defeat to NPL Victoria minor premiers Oakleigh in the semi-finals this past weekend.

Lions FC Form

It's been a dream season for Lions - they've landed the quadruple and further established themselves as the best team NPL team in Queensland.

The Lions captured their third straight NPL trophy with a narrow 1-0 victory over rivals Peninsula this past weekend, with Fred Oyet scoring a dramatic 93rd minute winner.

Dan Barber's side have also secured the Kappa Pro Series, NPL QLD Premiership and Kappa Queensland Cup silverware in a dominant season domestically.

But the Lions have transferred that form onto the national stage, advancing to their first Australia Cup semi-final in impressive fashion, knockout out A-League sides Perth Glory and Melbourne City before a crushing 4-0 quarter-final triumph over North Sunshine Eagles.

Verdict

Under 3.5 goals is the best bet, with Lions holding the value.

Best Bet1: Under 3.5 Total Goals @1/2 at bet365 - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Lions Win or Draw Double Chance @13/10 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Lions Win H2H @4/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Under 3.5
Total Goals
@1/2 - 3 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
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Bet at bet365
Lions Win or Draw
Double Chance
@13/10 - 1 Unit
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Bet at dabble
Lions Win
H2H
@4/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

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Bet at Star Sports
andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Andrew has been writing about sports for over a decade now after graduating with a double degree in 2013. In that time he has covered a wide range of sports, including NRL, AFL, Football (soccer), Tennis, NBA, NFL and more.


As a fan of Manchester City (since the 90s, he’s not a bandwagoner so they say), Canterbury Bulldogs and the Newcastle Jets, he’s experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows throughout the last few years.

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