FFA Cup holders Adelaide United host last season’s A-League grand finalists Sydney FC in the round of 16 at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night.
In what will be a reverse fixture of last year’s controversial quarter-final clash in which the Reds advanced 3-1 in extra time past the Harbour City outfit, it is again expected to be an intriguing encounter. While both sides continue their respective preseasons, each will be desperate to progress deep into the competition and ensure they are playing as many competitive matches before the A-League commences in October.
Defending champions Adelaide began their cup defence in emphatic fashion with a 6-1 win against Darwin Olympic SC away from home. Despite a nervous first 20 minutes, a first half brace from James Jeggo, as well as goals from new signing Eli Babalj, Marcelo Carrusca, Sergio Cirio and Pablo Sanchez guided United to an eventual trouncing.
Meanwhile, the Sky Blues comfortably recorded a 2-0 victory against Sorrento in the round of 32 in Perth. Veteran striker Shane Smeltz converted from the spot while youngster Max Burgess secured the win 15 minutes from time.
Key Battle – Sergio Cirio vs Shane Smeltz
Both forwards will likely have a huge impact on proceedings as the pair are proven match winners. Not least Sergio Cirio, who was the tournament’s top goalscorer last season and of course scored the solitary strike in last year’s inaugural FFA Cup final, which saw Adelaide earn its first piece of silverware in eight years. As for Smeltz, the New Zealand international will be keen to remain injury free this term and when fully fit is still one of the most potent finishers in Australia.
Team News
Newly appointed Adelaide boss Guillermo Amor is likely to stick with a similar lineup that defeated Olympic a few weeks ago. Marcelo Carrusca, James Jeggo and Isaias should form the midfield trio, while Iacopo La Rocca may get the nod ahead of Dylan McGowan to partner Osama Malik in the heart of the defence.
Adelaide United Expected XI: (4-3-3) Galekovic (GK); Marrone, La Rocca, Malik, Elrich; Isaias, Jeggo, Carrusca; Cirio, Babalj, Goodwin.
As for Sydney, coach Graham Arnold may thrust former Central Coast Mariners target-man Matt Simon into the starting lineup. The experienced tactician is also expected to make several changes from the rather youthful team that beat Sorrento on 5 August. Matt Jurman, Vedran Janjetovic, Shane Smeltz and Sebastian Ryall are all anticipated to retain their positions from the previous round of 32 clash. However, marque purchase Filip Holosko and Serbian Milos Ninkovic could feature from the bench.
Sydney FC Expected Starting XI: (4-3-3) Janjetovic (GK); Ryall, Jurman, Anderson Jamieson; Stambolziev, Ninkovic, Naumoff; Simon, Smeltz, Hoole.
Head-to-Head
Aforementioned, these two teams have only previously met once in this competition, occurring in the quarter-final last October. Striker Bruce Djite netted a double in a 3-1 after-extra-time triumph as the South Australians went on to lift the FFA Cup trophy two games later.
Prediction
This game has the potential to be an open and attacking affair. Amor’s men will likely dominate the possession statistics, nevertheless, Sydney will be a threat on the counter attack. However, given Adelaide have the luxury of playing on their home turf and they are current holders, it is these reasons why United have the slight advantage in this one.
Adelaide United 2 Sydney FC 1
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
