Western-Sydney born Alex Brosque says there’ll be no room for sentiment when his Sydney FC take on Sydney United 58 in a Westfield FFA Cup blockbuster on Tuesday night.
Sydney United Sports Centre is set to be packed to the rafters when the in-form Sky Blues come to town for the highly-anticipated round of 16 clash.
The occasion has certainly excited Brosque, who still lives in western Sydney and started his career out that way with Marconi in the old NSL.
He admits he always dreamed of the day when an FFA Cup-style competition would allow the likes of some of these proud clubs a shot at the big time.
“I think for the fans it’s exciting but also the players, we wanted an FFA Cup to come because we wanted games like this,” Brosque told www.theffacup.com.au.
“Your Sydney Uniteds, Marconis, all these smaller clubs up against your A-League clubs and to have it happen now is fantastic.
“We get to play Sydney United at Edensor Park and it’s going to be great occasion. There’s a lot of interest in the game obviously and as a player these are the type of matches you want to be a part of.
“We’re excited. I live out west so I’m personally excited to play a game out there. I know the atmosphere will be great. We know it will be tough but this is what it’s all about.
“It’s obviously the first FFA Cup and we want to do well so hopefully we can play well (on Tuesday night) and keep going.”
Sydney FC have been open about their desire to win the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup and will be hoping to join Central Coast, Melbourne Victory, Bentleigh Greens and Adelaide City who have already progressed to the last eight.
On another bumper Tuesday night of round of 16 action, Palm Beach Sharks will host South Springvale, St Albans Saints face off against Perth Glory while Adelaide United take on Brisbane Roar in an all Hyundai A-League affair.
But most eyes will be on the all-Sydney encounter as the Sky Blues look to avoid an upset against their former skipper Mark Rudan’s United.
“Rudes is a fantastic guy. He’s a very passionate person for that football club and he’s brought up there,” Sky Blues boss Graham Arnold said of the match-up.
“I had my time out there as well when it was Sydney Croatia and it was great times.
“We’re definitely looking forward to it. We know it won’t be easy and they’ll be up for the game.
“We have a long off-season and the FFA Cup gives you something to focus on and work for. It’s going to be a great occasion out there and hopefully it will be a big crowd and a great night.”
Sydney United 58 FC, who have ex-Sky Blues defender Nathan Sherlock in their squad, warmed up for their shot at the Sky Blues with a 1-1 draw against Hyundai A-League club Wellington on Tuesday night.
Sydney United 58 FC host Sydney FC in the Westfield FFA Cup on Tuesday 23 September at Sydney United Sports Centre. Click here to purchase tickets.
