The FFA Cup round of 32 has been drawn today, with some tantalising fixtures set.
A-League fixtures
Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory FC
Kenny Lowe’s side face a long haul to face Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in the first of three all A-League ties.
More of this, please lads.
Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne Victory
One big tick for the Jets in managing to secure a home tie in the round of 32, but Melbourne Victory are about as daunting as it gets. Scott Miller’s side will be buoyed by a very solid home record against Kevin Muscat’s side, however. The 2015 FFA Cup champions face a tricky test.
Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers
A new-look Phoenix attack will be given an early chance to test itself against a defensively sound Wanderers outfit. Guilherme Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses will be keen to make waves early, but the 2016 A-League runners up will have other ideas.
A-League vs Member Federation club
Wollongong Wolves vs Sydney FC
Arguably the tie of the round, with the A-League hopefuls facing off against the glitz and glamour of Sydney FC.
The Wolves have made no secret of their desire to be granted an A-League licence, and could make serious waves
.@WollGongWOLVES' Jacob Timpano tips ’20,000’ for #FFACup clash with @SydneyFC – https://t.co/5daR9xcb2P #WOLvSYD pic.twitter.com/fFCb8KApIE
— Westfield FFA Cup (@FFACup) June 30, 2016
Redlands United vs Adelaide United
The A-League champions face off against Redlands United of Queensland, the second oldest club in the state. Currently sitting third in the Queensland NPL, the task ahead is great if they are to progress in the national cup competition, but the motivation to create shockwaves through the country is a clear leveller.
Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor remains wary of the task ahead, speaking to club media he said: “At this stage, we do not know a lot about how Redlands United play their football, but we have time to do our research and we will have to be ready for a tough match away from home,” he said.
“They have done very well to qualify for this tournament and they will have some momentum when they play against us.”
Green Gully vs Central Coast Mariners
Arthur Papas is a coach on the rise in Australia and will have his side raring to go in their tie against the Central Coast Mariners – one the Keilor outfit will fancy their chances of progressing from.
The Mariners will not want to slip up after a hugely disappointing 2015-16 A-League campaign, and will be challenged furthermore by the conditions at Green Gully Reserve which Papas’ side are well accustomed to.
Floreat Athena vs Melbourne City
The West Australians will be relishing the chance to take on Australia’s richest club, welcoming the likes of Bruno Fornaroli and Thomas Sorensen to E&D Litis Stadium.
Similarly so with the other member federation clubs taking on A-League opposition, the possibility of catching the top-tier opposition cold is present, as well as the benefit of home ground advantage.
Which #FFACup fixture are you most pumped about?
— Outside90 (@Outside90) June 30, 2016
Member Federation fixtures
Melbourne Knights vs Cockburn City
FFA Cup football returns to Somers street. Knights coach Andrew Marth has said the club are in touch with retired Croatian international, Josip Simunic to take part. Cockburn sit ninth in the West Australian NPL and have struggled away from home this season, but will be eyeing the scalp of one of Australia’s most historic clubs.
FNQ Heat vs Edgeworth FC
The Heat will be raring to go against the Northern NSW ladder leaders, Edgeworth FC. Aaron Mooy’s spectacular double denied Edgeworth in the 2015 edition of the FFA Cup, after Bren Hamel had put the hosts ahead.
Shamrock Rovers Darwin vs Brisbane Strikers
Rovers host Queensland NPL powerhouse Brisbane Strikers at the 6,000 capacity Darwin Football Stadium. Both teams sit second in their respective divisions and with a round of 16 spot at stake, will fancy their chances of progression.
Metrostars vs Bentleigh Greens
The 2015 Victorian NPL champions have been in great form in 2016, and would have held no fear heading into this draw away to Metrostars after demolishing fierce rivals South Melbourne 4-0 in the previous round. Much of the current squad took part in the excellent 2014 semi-final run, and should take confidence from that, led by one of the standout coaches in the competition, John Anastasiadis.
Former Adelaide United star, Travis Dodd, now representing Metrostars in a forward role is excited by the opportunity to face strong opposition, telling ffacup.com.au: “I’m certainly looking forward to it. These are the games as a player you are desperate to be involved in,” Dodd said.
“There is a buzz. Not just the fact the A-League clubs are involved but the fact it’s on the national stage now and all the games are televised.”
FFA Cup round of 32 draw announced
Devonport Strikers vs Lambton Jaffas
The Newcastle-based outfit travel to take on ladder-leaders Devonport in what could be the beginning of a promising cup run for the Tasmanians. Devonport have won their last nine matches, and top the Tasmanian standings by four points with striker Bradley Mann netting no less than 16 times in 13 appearances.
Canberra Olympic vs Surfers Paradise Apollo
Both sides sit third in their respective divisions, with the ACT outfit perhaps going in favourites with home field advantage. However, the 2016 season has featured no less than 12 goalscorers for Surfers Paradise outlining a consistent threat throughout the side, something Olympic must be wary of.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles vs Manly United
A tantalising NSW derby, only four points separate these two sides in the NPL standings.
The White Eagles have been helped greatly by in-form striker Dalibor Milosevic, who has notched 11 goals in 15 appearances and will take confidence heading into this clash.
Hume City FC vs Marconi United
Who could forget the heroics on display from Lou Acevski’s side in 2015? The Broadmeadows outfit continue to build themselves towards becoming one of Australia’s powerhouse grassroots clubs, and will go in favourites against former NSL powerhouse Marconi Stallions at ABD Stadium.
Blacktown City vs Sydney United 58
Sydney United 58 have been in good form of late, winning four of its last five matches including a slender victory over Blacktown City. This NSW derby is one of the ties of the round, and is sure to attract a strong crowd at Gabbie Stadium, with a capacity of 7,500.
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