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Solomon Islands will take on New Caledonia at Stade Numa Daly in the MSG Prime Minister's Cup on Saturday.
New Caledonia vs Solomon Islands Preview
The 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup is the ninth edition of the annual championship played between the Melanesian countries. Regular participant Fiji did not enter the tournament due to their qualification for the 2023 Pacific Games. Solomon Islands won their first two matches against Papua New Guinea 3-1 and Vanuatu 1-0.
Bonitos are already through to the knockout stage. However, they will be keen to get the better of New Caledonia in order to claim the top spot. Both teams are level on six points, but New Caledonia boast a higher goal differential of +6 as opposed to +3 for the Solomon Islands. The sides will likely meet again in the next stage.
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New Caledonia are eying their first title in the competition and they stand a good chance based on their impressive form and home advantage. The tournament’s hosts have been enjoying significant support which is expected to soar as they progress in this edition of the MSG Prime Minister's Cup.
Les Cagous will hope to learn from their previous failure when they hosted the competition in 1990. They reached the final but lost to Vanuatu 1-0, largely due to overconfidence. New Caledonia coach Johann Sidaner, who was appointed about a year ago, has won half of his six games, losing three.
New Caledonia vs Solomon Islands Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The Solomon Islands have won once and lost twice in their three last clashes with New Caledonia.
- The Solomon Islands boast two wins in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Solomon Islands have won the MSG Prime Minister's Cup once and have been runners-up twice.
- New Caledonia have been runners-up in the MSG Prime Minister's Cup thrice.
- The Solomon Islands have won thrice, drawn once and lost once in their last five matches while New Caledonia have won thrice and lost twice.
New Caledonia vs Solomon Islands Prediction
We expect many goals in this clash between the two free-scoring sides. The Solomon Islands have scored four goals so far, with Raphael Lea’I Jr contributing three. He is currently the tournament’s top scorer.
New Caledonia boast seven goals with only one conceded. The hosts appear to have numerous scorers, which is a huge asset for the team in the competition.
New Caledonia are expected to prevail due to home advantage.
Prediction: New Caledonia 3-2 Solomon Islands
New Caledonia vs Solomon Islands Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – New Caledonia to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: New Caledonia to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Solomon Islands to score - Yes
