THE FFA Cup continues on Wednesday night as four epic Round of 32 encounters are played.
With the additions of the ten A-League teams into the mix, we once again get to watch in anticipation to see if lower league underdogs can rival the efforts of Heidelberg United last year, or Green Gully the year prior, to pull off the ultimate David vs Goliath story and defeat an A-League team.
Will we see it on Wednesday? Probably not.
With the four matches each having quite unique storylines behind them, let’s run through them.
Rockdale City Suns vs Sydney FC at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre – 7:30pm (AEST)
Here we go, the first of the hopefuls. In this instance, hopeful is generous for Rockdale. They face a Sydney FC side which has been gutted in the transfer window. Is this enough to give Rockdale City a fighting chance?
Previous matches
Rockdale: 12-0 vs Glebe Wanderers, 3-0 vs Bankstown United, 2-1 vs Sydney United, 3-2 vs Blacktown City.
Sydney: N/A
Featuring ex-Western Sydney Wanderers shot-stopper Ante Covic, Rockdale City seek to knock off last year’s cup winners in what should be a fiery encounter in the south of Sydney.
Despite the loss of both the 2017-18 Johnny Warren Medallist in Adrian Mierzejevski, and the Golden Boot winner (and record breaker) Bobo, Sydney FC’s coach Steve Corica maintains a steadfast attitude that his men can go back to back.
Although Sydney have lost a significant amount of quality in the off-season, they should still have the quality to put a few past Rockdale City and progress to the Round of 16.
Prediction: Sydney FC 4 – Rockdale City 1
(AAP Image/Hamish Blair)
Heidelberg United vs Charlestown City Blues FC at Olympic Park – 7:30pm (AEST)
Just as we finish discussing the potential for an NPL team to upset an A-League team, we move to the most recent team to do so. Last September we witnessed a gutsy victory from the underdog Heidelberg side in a 1-0 win over Perth Glory which put a little known Sudanese footballer’s name up in lights, and just like that ‘King’ Kenny Athiu was a hot prospect.
Truly underlining what the “magic of the cup” truly is, we see an ironic flip on that match. Heidelberg are now one of the highest rated clubs in the country and go up against an injury-riddled side who have never made the round of 32 in the FFA Cup.
Previous matches
Heidelberg: N/A
Charlestown: 10-0 vs Hamilton Azzurri, 3-1 vs Lake Maquarie, 6-0 vs Boambee, 0-0 (3-2) vs Lambton Jaffas.
With their inexperience and injuries to numerous players and loss of former Socceroo and A-League player Ljubo Milicevic who recently retired from football, Charlestown will be up against it as Heidelberg are in a hot run of form in NPL Victoria.
Can they cause an upset? No, Especially not on Heidelberg’s home turf.
Prediction: Heidelberg United 3 – Charlestown City Blues 0
Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners at Marden Sports Complex – 7:30pm (AEST)
In the first all A-League clash of the 2018 FFA Cup, Adelaide United take on the Central Coast Mariners in Adelaide.
In the 2017 Final, Adelaide fell agonizingly short of the silverware as they lost to Sydney FC in extra time. They will be fueled by that loss and be seeking to bounce back with a point to prove.
All eyes will be on the Mariners however, as they look to improve after their shock Round of 32 exit to Blacktown City last season, and an A-League season to forget as they finished in last.
Fans will get an up-close first glance at a new-look Mariners side following their raft of off-season departures.
This encounter will be an interesting one, with both sides looking to impress in their first competitive outings of 2018.
Will this new look Mariners be able to get one over this competent Adelaide side? I think so.
(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Prediction: Adelaide United 1 – Central Coast Mariners 2
Cairns FC vs Armadale SC at Barlow Park – 7:30pm (AEST)
5,300 kilometres separates these two clubs in what should be an interesting clash which has the potential to produce the next big name out of the FFA cup.
Previous matches
Cairns: 4-3 vs Southside Comets, 3-0 vs North QLD United, 5-3 vs Magpies
Armadale: 3-2 vs Balcatta, 5-2 vs Dianella White Eagles, 3-2 vs ECU Joondalup.
Although both sides are sat in seventh on their respective league ladders, their form in the Cup shows they have the capability of scoring goals.
Armadale’s Chris Jackson and Cairns FC’s Joshua Taylor both have the ability to put away goals in their locker and will look to lead their sides from the front. Both teams will be pushing for a positive run in the FFA Cup in order to make up for their somewhat underwhelming NPL seasons so far.
I predict this will be the closest game of the Round of 32 so far and it could go either way.
Prediction: Cairns FC 2 – Armadale SC 2. Cairns win on Penalties.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
After an early scare the SFC come good. Still a bit rusty but some promise in the new signings and new team formation. Alex Brosque is the Energizer Bunny - never stops trying. Not a bad prediction on the scoreline there Thomas, finished 4-2.
huddo
Guest
even more strange the team there against is in the southern part of the city, and the game is the telivisid one
Melange
Guest
Cousin C, I've never seen you put up a pessimistic comment, where does all this doom and gloom come from?
Lionheart
Guest
SFC draw an NPL club. Again. How very strange.
Thomas Williamson
Roar Rookie
Personally I can see the game going either way. Whilst I think that this Central Coast side will shock us tonight. I can also see Adelaide coming out and silencing doubters of theirs from the Transfer Period. Should be an interesting one.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
I feel that Sydney FC's defense is still very good with Zullo, Wilkinson, Jop van der Linden, Grant expected to start. O'Neill, De Silva and Brilliante will most likely be in the midfield but the front third is the issue. Ninkovic, Brosque and Buhagiar are expected to lead the line, which looks decent on paper but they could tire. Calver, and Warland are decent defenders and should be challenging for a first team position. Retre is a decent midfield replacement. Zuvela and Lokolingoy may receive their chance to lead the line. Sydney have a different squad to work with, but they only have two foreign players in their squad. While they don't seem to have a decent squad, yet, it should improve and they could be title contenders again. It will be a difficult test for a weakened Sydney FC side, and I wouldn't be surprised if the defending champions are knocked out, especially with Rockdale's good form.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
While Adelaide have lost Mileusnic and Blackwood due to injury, they have a decent squad consisting of experienced heads Isaias, Craig Goodwin, Ken Ilso and Michael Jakobsen. Youngster Lachlan Brook also looks impressive. Kitto will be playing, who was Adelaide's top goalscorer with seven goals and four assists. Central Coast will most likely be playing an unfamiliar 3-4-3. Lots of their players have departed, and they don't look to have a squad that will challenge for the premiership. But they have Matt Simon, Tom Hiariej, Kalifa Cisse and Michael McGlinchy. 2017/18's squad was a lot better, and they finished with the wooden spoon. At home, Adelaide should win on paper and I'm not saying this because I'm an AUFC fan. I would be surprised if Central Coast pulls off an upset. I would predict a 3-1 victory to Adelaide.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Not feeling confident about SFCs chances tonight and the Cup holders jinx. Could be an upset on the cards at good odds.
James Kronjarski
Roar Rookie
You're delusional if you think the injury riddled Mariners have any chance against Adelaide.