Wednesday’s draw for the round of 32 in the Westfield FFA Cup has thrown up some blockbuster match-ups with minnows pitted against Hyundai A-League giants and a few interesting member federation encounters.
Here is the pick of the ties we’re looking forward to the most following the live draw on Fox Sports.
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 draw revealed!
Darwin Olympic v Adelaide United
What an occasion this will be for Olympic and Northern Territory football. The inaugural Westfield FFA Cup champions Adelaide head to Darwin for what looms as a genuine David v Goliath battle. It will certainly be a treat for top end fans to see the likes of Marcelo Carrusca, Sergio Cirio and Socceroo Tarek Elrich. Will undoubtedly be a sellout in Darwin!
Balmain Tigers v Melbourne Victory
The lowest ranked of any side in the round of 32, the Tigers were handed arguably the toughest tie of the opening round of fixtures. Reigning Hyundai A-League champions Victory will travel to Sydney as hot favourites but anything is possible in Cup football. The atmosphere will be electric as the part-timers from the third-tier in NSW look to pull off a stunning upset.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Brisbane Roar
John Aloisi’s Roar revolution gets a chance to make an early statement against a Wanderers outfit with a point to prove after last year’s disappointing Hyundai A-League season. Aloisi is great mates with Wanderers boss Tony Popovic but that will be put aside as they look to get one up on each other before the new A-League season. The RBB will be rocking!
Sorrento FC v Sydney FC
Coaches Jamie Harnwell and Graham Arnold were two of the toughest players during their playing careers – which will make for a feisty clash over in the West. The Sydney FC boys will be in for a hot reception from the locals in what will be one of the biggest nights in the WA club’s history. WA’s state league clubs couldn’t get past the round of 32 last year - can Sorrento turn the tables against one of the A-League’s glamour clubs?
Palm Beach SC v South Melbourne
Two powerhouses of their respective PS4 NPL competitions go head-to-head in a tricky opening tie on the Gold Coast. Ex-NSL powerhouse South Melbourne make the trek to the glitter strip to face a Sharks outfit who were quarter-finalists in the inaugural competition. Watch out for South’s Milos Lujic who has been scoring for fun in the Victorian PS4 NPL.
