In the opening odds stage, several bookmakers set the home side at half a goal, with the home water level concentrated in the high range of 1.03 to 1.07, while the away side was kept at the low range of 0.72 to 0.75. As the match approached, the line moved further in favor of the away team. Some bookmakers shifted from a level-ball line to half a goal, while the home water level was raised to an ultra-high 1.08 or even 1.13, and the away water level continued to drift downward, with some companies already near 0.70. This combination of higher home odds and lower away odds shows that the bookmakers are actively adjusting direction, and market confidence in the away side is gradually building.
From a fundamental perspective, the two teams are level on 29 league points this season, so their strength is very close. In their last six meetings, four were decided by a margin of one goal or less, and the matches were often tightly contested. The home side has a 40% win rate over its last 10 games, which is only average form. The away side, meanwhile, has covered the handicap in 60% of its last 10 matches, showing a more stable performance. On neutral ground in a cup competition, neither team enjoys home-field advantage. The handicap movement clearly points to the away side.