In the second semi-final match of the Northern Ireland Cup, Ballymena United will host Linfield. Who will go to the final?
Ballymena United"
Ballymena United have already gone through three stages and have been more than convincing at each stage. In total, the team scored 14 goals, and conceded only 1. Of course, the fact that the team played all the matches at its own stadium helped the team, but the level of play should not be belittled. Each of the victories turned out to be devastating, and Portadown (4-1), PSNI and Dergview (5-0) suffered in turn.
"Linfield"
Linfield did not stand on ceremony with their opponents either, as they played two matches at home and one, the quarterfinal, away. In the 1/16 final, Enney was beaten (2-0), in 1/8 it went to Dungannon (5-2), and in 1/4 the resistance of Lofgall was broken (3-1). Linfield is not satisfied with the scoring extravaganza, and there was only one defeat in its performance, but this was enough for the team to make it to the semifinals and be one step away from the match for the trophy.
Statistics and figures:
- Ballymena United played all three matches at home and won big in each of them, scoring a total of 14 goals, and conceding one;
- Linfield have scored ten goals in three stages and conceded three;
- Ballymena United have won one of their last six home games against Linfield,losing the rest.
Forecast
Despite Ballymena's solid performances United are in the current Cup draw, they are inferior in class to Linfield and are unlikely to be able to put up a decent resistance. I bet on the victory of the leader of the championship and the more skilled Linfield in the regular time.