Tantalising matchups confirmed at Nike FC Cup Quarter & Semi Final fixture draws

Brace yourself for some blockbuster cup football, as today's Nike FC Cup fixture draws revealed the quarter and semi-final matchups we have to look forward to before the Cup final in August.

Our first quarter final matchup is between two VPLW sides in Bayside Argonauts FC and Bundoora United FC. 
The Argonauts, who'll be at home for this fixture, are struggling mightily in the VPLW so far this season, currently sitting second last with just two wins from 11 matches. 
But they have been battling hard in the Cup, demolishing Berwick City in Round 3, beating Fawkner 3-1 in the fourth round and outlasting fellow VPLW Geelong Galaxy in a penalty shootout. 
However, Bundoora United should fancy their chances against a side they have already beaten 3-1 back in May. Bundoora have looked good in the VPLW, sitting third on the ladder, and have already claimed two huge scalps so far in the Cup, beating Bentleigh and Essendon in rounds 4 and 5.

Next up we have two NPLW heavyweights going head-to-head with Alamein FC travelling to FC Bulleen Lions. 
The last time these two played last was in Round 4 of the NPLW, where an Emma Runnalls headed goal proved to be the difference in Alamein's 1-0 win at the Veneto Club.
Alamein have gotten here off the back of a 3-1 win over Box Hill in Round 4 and a 2-1 thriller against Calder United in Round 5. Bulleen won comfortably over a highly regarded Keilor Park in their first cup match and battled their way to a penalty shootout win over Boroondara in Round 5. 
There's just a single point that separates these two clubs on the NPLW ladder, with Alamein sitting fourth and Bulleen fifth, so this one should be a hotly contested match-up.

That brings us to our other all NPLW club match-up, as South Melbourne host Spring Hills in what has suddenly turned into an incredibly intriguing fixture.
Spring Hills have overcome both Ringwood City and FV Academy 1-0 in Rounds 4 and 5 but have been struggling for form in the NPLW competition. South Melbourne, on the other hand, have been impressive, sitting third on the NPLW ladder and knocking off the frisky Eltham Redbacks and VPLW ladder leading Avondale in the previous cup rounds. 
So, why the intrigue? Spring Hills has just procured the services of the reigning NPLW Gold Medal Winner and goal-scoring machine Maja Markovski, which should elevate their play.

Our final fixture of the quarter-finals see's the NPLW ladder leaders, Heidelberg United, going up against the last remaining state league club, Manningham United Blues. If you only watch the Nike FC Cup for the potential cup-sets, then this is the matchup for you. 
But don't count out The Blues just yet, who have scored a whopping 14 goals in four matches and, even more impressively, are yet to concede a goal in those four games. 
Having said that, they really have drawn a juggernaut in Heidelberg. The Bergers enjoyed a forfeit over Brunswick Juventus in Round 4 and trounced Caroline Springs George Cross 4-0 in Round 5. They are four points clear on top of the NPLW table and can lay claim as favourites in both competitions. This truly would be a cup-set to remember if Manningham can pull it off.

And, if you thought those four fixtures were juicy, just look at what we have to look forward to in the semi-final stage.

We're guaranteed at least one NPLW side will be playing in the big dance, after the matchup between Bulleen and Alamein were drawn as the host side of the fixture between South Melbourne and Spring Hills. 

And Heidelberg will like their chances at home against the winner of Bayside and Bundoora, should they overcome a fired-up Manningham in the quarter-finals. This also means we have a good chance of seeing a team outside of the top league go all the way through to the cup final, and that is always the kind of feel-good story cup football can bring. 

Potential Fixture Dates and Streaming details:

Every game for the remainder of the tournament will be streamed live and free on the Football Victoria YouTube channel. Make sure you've subscribed now.

The Nike FC Cup Quarter & Semi Final fixtures will be played on either of the following dates: