FFA Cup preview: MetroStars v Oakleigh Cannons

John Greco @Grecs7 1440987713,1512103036

This Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 meeting on matchday 2 sees the dangerous South Australian outfit meet Arthur Papas’ entertainers from Victoria in an all-PS4 NPL clash.

MATCH DETAILS

MetroStars v Oakleigh Cannons

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

Elite systems Football Centre, Angle Park (SA)

Kick-off: 7:00pm local (7:30pm AEST)

Referee: Rick Schneider

Assistant Referee 1: Paul Cetrangolo

Assistant Referee 2: Aaron Galanti

Fourth Official: Matthew Cream

AAR 1: Daniel Elder

AAR 2: Daniel Cook

Tickets: Click here for ticketing details

Online Broadcast: Streamed online at www.foxsports.com.au/football/ffa-cup/ffacupondemand and Apple TV via FOX SPORTS Now

Radio Broadcast: 5RTI (531AM)

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #METvOAC

MetroStars squad: 1.Callum PIANTADOSI (gk), 3.Alexander JAKOB, 6.Anthony SOLAGNA, 7.Michael D’ALOISIO, 8.Rocky CALLISTO, 9.Steven GRELLI, 10.Perry MITRIS, 11.Scott TUNBRIDGE, 12.Andrew DYER, 14.Stefan SIMIC, 15.Liam WOODING, 16.Andrew ORPHANOU, 17.Jonathan NEGUS, 18.Fabian BARBIERO, 19.Joseph POLISENA, 20.Daniel GODLEY (gk), 21.Adam VAN DOMMELE, 22.Samuel CAMPAGNALE, 23.Matthew CROOKS

Oakleigh Cannons squad: 2.Rowan McNAMEE, 3.John BLACK, 4.Theo PAPAGEORGIOU, 5.Aron WILFORD, 6.Steve PANTELIDIS, 7.Stephen FRANTZESKAKIS, 8.Dusan BOSNJAK, 10.Dean PIEMONTE, 11.Kofi DANNING, 12.Tremayne SADLER, 14.Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 15.Jake McLEAN, 16.Sean ROONEY, 18.Adam LE CORNU, 22.Matthew FOSCHINI, 25.Delarno PHAROE, 26.Lampros HONOS, 35.Lajos HUN (gk), 76.John HONOS (gk)

**Please note the draw for the Westfield FFA Cup Quarter Finals will be conducted tomorrow night on FOX SPORTS (Channel 503) after the regulation time of the four matches.**

MetroStars celebrate NPL Grand Final win.

BLUFFER’S GUIDE

MetroStars SC produced one of Round of 32 shocks and, as such, should not be underestimated.

Michael Pirone’s side made the tricky trip to Sydney’s west to face all-conquering PS4 NSW NPL champions Blacktown City, and they came away with a gritty 2-1 comeback win.

It was by no fluke the MetroStars got that result, unleashing the shackles after trailing 1-0 at the break and stunning the home side with their fast-moving, physical style.

They’ve got quality, no doubt.

Expect more of the same in front of their home fans as they aim to become the second South Australian PS4 NPL club in as many years to take the Westfield FFA Cup by storm.

As for Oakleigh, Papas – an astute up-and-coming mentor who’s had experience coaching alongiside Zico in the IPL – will undoubtedly have his squad up for this one.

Don’t worry about their struggles in the PS4 NPL Victoria, the Cannons have a squad made for delivering on the big stage.

Former Hyundai A-League talent Steve Pantelidis, Mirjan Pavlovic and Kofi Danning to name a few demonstrates they have the talent and experience to get results on the big stage.

And Dean Piemonte will still be on a high after his Cup heroics against FNQ Heat, the super-sub getting on the score sheet with an outrageously “Beckham-esque” set piece.

Get set for a heavenly battle in the City of Churches.

WHAT THEY SAY

Daniel Goldey (MetroStars keeper)

“If we can get through this one it all comes down to the luck of the draw – you can be playing the best football in the world then draw Melbourne Victory.”

Arthur Papas (Oakleigh Cannons coach)

“It will be a difficult game. They [MetroStars] haven’t had the best of seasons in the league but in the FFA Cup they’ve been very strong winning their last game away from home. But it gives us a chance, if we’re at our best, to possibly push into the last eight.”