The stage is set for another FFA ‘Cupset’!
Wednesday night’s FFA Cup 2018 Round of 16 clashes throws up another two Member Federation v Hyundai A-League match-ups to look forward to.
READ: How to get around the FFA Cup Round of 16
READ: 'NPL teams can make FFA Cup final' roars Lions FC defender
READ: Is APIA's giant-killing the biggest upset in FFA Cup history?
In Queensland, local NPL champions Lions FC will be out to cause a shock against Adelaide United – LIVE on Fox Sports 505 from 7pm – while there’s a western Sydney derby at Marconi Stadium between Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Western Sydney Wanderers.
While the Hyundai A-League clubs will fancy their chances of progressing to the last eight, the #MagicoftheCup means that anything is possible.
You only have to go back a week to know what we’re talking about.
There weren’t many people who gave APIA Leichhardt a chance against reigning Hyundai A-League champions Melbourne Victory, but the NSW NPL side put in an amazing display to cause a boilover
Led by sensational Japanese import Tasuku Sekiya – who scored a brace – the Tigers withstood a late fightback to eventually win 3-2 at a heaving Leichhardt Oval.
It was the latest in what is becoming growing trend of giant-killing tales in the FFA Cup.
Already this year we saw Bentleigh Greens spoil Mark Rudan’s competitive debut with Wellington Phoenix, with Marco Jankovic’s first-half header enough to give the 10-man Victorian NPL outfit a 1-0 triumph.
Both Adelaide and the Wanderers have themselves been on the end of FFA Cup shocks in the past.
The Reds slumped to a jaw-dropping 2-1 loss in extra-time against Redlands United in 2016, just months after winning the Hyundai A-League title.
A 98th-minute goal from electrician Paul O’Brien proved the spark for Redlands, leading to jubilant scenes from the locals at Perry Park.
Ironically, Adelaide returns to the same venue on Wednesday night for the battle with the Lions.
Of course, the Wanderers were the first Hyundai A-League side to have their colours lowered by NPL opposition in the FFA Cup, in the very first year of the competition in 2014.
Adelaide City teenager Thomas Love made national headlines when he scored a stunning solo goal to beat Tony Popovic’s troops 1-0.
So could Lions FC and Bonnyrigg be the latest Member Federation clubs to write their names into FFA Cup folklore by beating Hyundai A-League opposition on Wednesday night?
Can’t wait to find out!
