The biggest risk Carl Robinson can take this Tuesday is fielding an understrength Wanderers against APIA Leichhardt.
The temptation to omit its star players will be high, as Western Sydney wont be fully rested, having won their A-League match against Wellington last Friday.
Recently, Melbourne Victory nearly fell into a similar FFA Cup trap. Last week, coach Tony Popovic rolled the dice against Adelaide City, permitting his inexperienced recruits to struggle against the National Premier League side, who made quadruple the amount of shots.
However, Popovic somehow managed gain an unconvincing win at the last minute. Victory’s player depth was tested. A few days later, and after receiving a red card, Melbourne was thrashed by Perth Glory in an A-League game.
By the grace of the football Gods, if Robinson’s lads are reduced to only ten men, then APIA will pounce. A similar situation happened during Round of 32, when Cooma Tigers bravely challenged APIA, with only nine men on the field. The tired Tigers lost 3-0.
Fans of the FFA Cup will also acknowledge the magical serendipity, which binds the smaller clubs to Leichhardt Oval.
The year was 2018, and Victory’s coach Kevin Muscat had taken his champion team to Sydney’s Inner West. Having excluded Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda from the line-up, Victory were convincingly beaten by APIA on a cold August night.
Kevin Muscat hung onto his job until the end of the season, whereby quitting after 14 years with the famous club.
Other managers who lose against semi-professional teams aren’t as fortunate. Green Gully whipped Central Coast in 2016, and coach Tony Walmsley was quickly given his marching orders.
For some time now, it feels as if the vultures have been circling Carl Robinson.
On paper, the Wanderers arguably have the A-League’s strongest group, however, their results have never been secure. Their recent goals have been questionable, occurring after scuffles or last-minute flukes, caused by miscommunication.
The Wanderers might enter the match as hot favourites, but for APIA, luck always seems to be on their side.
Brendan
Roar Pro
There was a fair amount of police. Although, they did seem pretty chilled. It felt very “old school” when the flare was lit. I heard a smattering of colourful RBB language at the end of the game, but that was due to APIA slowly winding down the clock, which frustrated WSW.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
how many police officers did you see at the ground? in particular surrounding the RBB. yes a flare was ripped, but i counted 6 police officers surrounding the couple hundred supporters in the corner - this is why wanderers are losing supporters, over policing is ruining the club.
josh
Guest
The club doesn't deserve the supporters.
Brendan
Roar Pro
I was a tad surprised too. Robinson took a big chance. By the 60th minute, APIA were spent, with players hunched, gasping for air. Yet, somehow, they dug deep & defended well. I was on the sidelines, & APIA were very vocal, giving each other supportive instructions. WSW were very quiet. Had their senior players, such as Ziggy Gordon, spoken up, maybe the result would have been different. Big shout out to the RBB, who are one of the best supporter groups in the country. They added an awesome atmosphere to the game.
josh
Guest
Not really, Robinson changed his entire lineup and paid the price. As soon as we saw all 11 players who haven't played this season we all knew what would happen.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Apia pulled the Drive Bys pants down... tonight.... That second goal.... lol...
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
APIA has won 2-1
Brendan
Roar Pro
Cooma was a very dominant team until the final 10 minutes of regular time. Afterwards, the two red cards altered the match. APIA were also lucky to stay in the contest, as injuries decimated their substitutes. Cooma had APIA rattled, because the Leichhardt players kept coming off due to injury. However, 11 verses 9 wore a respectable Cooma down. APIA certainly pounced, but there was also timing and luck involved.
Dennis
Guest
Weird article this one. The author seems to think that Apia ‘pounced’ on the Tigers and raced home 3-0 in a one sided contest. Given the game ran for 120 minutes with extra time, I was wondering how many times Apia pounced to achieve this overwhelming win? They must have pounced with no impact in the first 90 minutes.
At work
Roar Rookie
He certainly had the skills, but maybe he lacked the physicality to go any higher.
josh
Guest
I've been to plenty of APIA NPL matches, not sure who these fans are you're referring to. I'm sure there'll be plenty of 'casual' observers from another A League club in town though.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Tasuku Sekiya was amazing that night. The Japanese maestro orchestrated the win for APIA. I heard Sekiya briefly trialed with the Mariners last season.
Brendan
Roar Pro
The beauty of winning the FFA Cup is potentially qualifying for the ACL. Formerly, the Wanderers are proud champions of that silverware.
At work
Roar Rookie
Was a great night to be at Leichhardt Oval when APIA beat MVFC. APIA's little Japanese player (can't remember his name) destroyed them! Let's hope for a repeat of that result.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Indeed. It’s going to be an interesting mix of new football and old soccer tonight. The RBB are notoriously vocal, so hopefully their passion is limited to the stadium. Here’s hoping for a clean, respectable game… With plenty of goals!
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
the action might be all off the field, rather than on it there was a bit of a dust up after APIA's last match, and now you're going to add wanderes fans into the mix - could be quite the spicy affair in the stands or carpark
josh
Guest
It's fine, the FFA cup isn't as important as the A League season. We can win it another year, just like 2014 when WSW 'lost' to Adelaide City - there's bigger fish to fry.