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Former Socceroos great Damian Mori says his Adelaide City side are in the right frame of mind to continue their giant-killing FFA Cup run after their shock win over Asian Champions League semi-finalists Western Sydney Wanderers last month.
Tuesday’s Round of 16 action also includes interstate trips for A-League clubs Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners, while the once-mighty Sydney Olympic again have a rare chance to shine on the national stage.
But much of the focus remains on three-time National Soccer League champions Adelaide City after their headline-grabbing elimination of the Wanderers in the fledgling Cup’s first major upset.
They host another former NSL champion in Brisbane Strikers, 11 years since the two clubs last met in the now defunct national league.
Though Adelaide concluded a largely disappointing season a fortnight ago, Mori says he expects the match to be evenly poised.
“These are one-off games, and it depends on the mindset of the players,” said Mori.
“Our mindset against the Wanderers was good and I’m expecting no different this week.
“They (Brisbane) have had a successful season. But if we come with a good attitude and put on a good performance we can again do well.”
Central Coast Mariners, who drew with A-League champions Brisbane Roar in a friendly last Friday, again face Queensland opposition when they visit Brisbane-based Olympic FC.
Mariners boss Phil Moss says his side are taking the competition “very seriously” as they aim for a quarter-final berth.
“We’ve done plenty of video analysis on Olympic FC and are giving them all the respect that they deserve. But nothing less than a win will be acceptable in my eyes.”
In Canberra, a classic David and Goliath contest sees modest local outfit Tuggeranong United host the A-League’s biggest club, Melbourne Victory.
The Canberra side only won through to this stage with a nervy win over outsiders South Hobart on penalties.
The match will also mark an emotional return to Tuggeranong United for new Victory signing Carl Valeri, with the Socceroo midfielder playing for the club as a junior.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat has a full squad to select from aside from injured youngster Nick Ansell.
The final match of the evening pits Sydney Olympic against Melbourne’s Bentleigh Greens.
Olympic impressed in the last round but they have just two days to recover from the heartbreak of a penalty-shootout defeat in the NSW season decider.
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