Josh Brillante says Sydney FC’s physicality will give them the edge in the Westfield FFA Cup Final, and he's not too worried about City's big guns.
The Sky Blues and City square off in what should be a blockbuster Cup decider between the two Hyundai A-League high-flyers at AAMI Park on November 30.
While City has the benefit of home ground advantage for the final, Sydney FC have easily been the most impressive performers so far in the 2016/17 Season.
Road to 2016 Westfield FFA Cup Final: Sydney FC
Road to the Westfield FFA Cup final: Melb City
Graham Arnold’s side is unbeaten in seven games in the Hyundai A-League, while they have won all four of their Westfield FFA Cup games without conceding a goal.
Brillante told www.theffacup.com.au: “They’ve [City] looked good and done well in some of their games but I think our team is stronger.
“Our physicality has shown in the games we’ve played. It’s going to be a tough match but we’ve got the quality and a good attitude in all the players and I think that’s going to work good for us.
“We’re not too fussed about their players. We know if we’re performing and playing our game we’ll get the result.
“We’ve had a great start and it stems from pre-season where all the boys were ready and fit. Our physicality and how we’ve dominated teams in games that we’ve played so far has been really good.”
While they’ve scored 29 goals in 11 matches in both the Hyundai A-League and Westfield FFA Cup this season, it’s Sydney’s miserly defence which been the most pleasing.
The Sky Blues have conceded just three times in 990 minutes of competitive action.
City will provide a stern test of their defensive resolve though, especially through skipper and prolific striker Bruno Fornaroli
The Uruguayan has been in scintillating touch so far this season, with six goals from just seven games in the Hyundai A-League.
But two of the Sky Blues back four – Alex Wilkinson and Michael Zullo – played for City last season so should know better than most the way to stop Fornaroli.
For Brillante, who is going into his first big final, he insists the focus is fully on what his side need to do and not so much the threats in the City squad.
“Off the back of what we’ve done here so far, the vibe is very positive and everyone is going into the game fit and ready to go and bring home some silverware,” the 23-year-old said.
And he says the club has moved on from the disappointment of not getting to host the final, after playing all of their games in the earlier rounds away from home.
“It would have been great for the game to have been at home in front of all the fans and family but no matter where it is you have to go play your best and to win,” Brillante said.
“We’re not too fussed that it’s in Melbourne. AAMI Park is a great stadium as well so it’s not such a big deal.”
Tickets for the Westfield FFA Cup Final 2016 are on sale now, starting at $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Click here for details and to purchase.
