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Read the Dandenong Thunder preview here.
Last week:
Oakleigh played Green Gully on Sunday in the Qualifying Final, with the winner moving on to play the Thunder in the Major Semi-Final on Friday with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs. The Cannons disposed of the Cavaliers 2-0 rather easily thanks to goals in each half from Danish winger Rasmus Festerson and striker Hayden Doyle. While Green Gully did have their chances, they were hardly lethal in front of goal and it was obvious that Oakleigh were by far the stronger side.
This week:
With Dandenong finishing as Minor Premiers, they earned the rights to host Oakleigh this Friday night at George Andrews Reserve. The winner of the Major Semi-Final becomes the first club to qualify for the 2012 VPL Grand Final at AAMI Park, while the loser must face the winner of the Green Gully vs Northcote City qualifier to determine the other Grand Finalist.
Why Oakleigh will beat Dandenong:
Oakleigh really impressed me in their win over Green Gully. The Cavaliers, as I mentioned last week, are renowned for their super performances in the finals, but Oakleigh dominated them in almost every part of the game. The Cannons are also yet to taste defeat against Dandenong this season with the two sides playing out 1-1 and 0-0 draws on the two occasions they met.
Why Oakleigh won't beat Dandenong:
While it's true that Oakleigh haven't lost to Dandenong, you have to go all the way back to March 2010 to find the last time the Cannons defeated the Thunder in the VPL. This is their best chance to knock off the Minor Premiers, but it's undoubtedly their most difficult challenge since last year's Grand Final against Green Gully. Home ground advantage also gives the Thunder a huge boost.
Player to watch:
I picked out Ricky Diaco last week to be the player to watch in Oakleigh's final campaign, but after seeing their performances against Green Gully on Sunday, midfielders Lambros Honos and Rasmus Festerson will be the ones to watch this Friday. The two ripped the Cavaliers to shreds down the wings and provided a constant threat throughout the contest. Dandenong will be wary of their danger but it remains to be seen if they can be stopped.
Prediction:
With a place in the Grand Final up for grabs, it promises to be an exciting contest. Dandenong will be boosted by the home support and the luxury of last week off, but Oakleigh will be determined to wrap up that second successive Grand Final appearance. It will be a close one, but the quality of Thunder will be just too much for the Cannons to handle.
Match details:
What: VPL Major Semi-Final
Who: Dandenong Thunder vs Oakleigh Cannons
Where: George Andrews Reserve
When: 8.15pm, Friday 28 September