Preview: MetroStars SC v Bentleigh Greens

MetroStars v Bentleigh Greens

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Elite Systems Football Centre, Angle Park (SA)

Kick-off: 8.00pm local (8:30pm AEST)

Referee: Rick Schneider

Assistant Referee 1Paul Cetrangolo

Assistant Referee 2: Aaron Galanti

Fourth Official: Jarrod Muller

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 or online at radioitaliana531.com.au 3XY Radio 1422AM or online at greekmediagroup.com

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #METvBGR #FFACup

MetroStars squad: 1.Isaac Carmody (gk), 3.Andrew Dyer, 4.Justin Davis, 5.Tim Henderson, 6.Anthony Solagna, 7.Michael D’Aloisio, 8.Rocky Callisto, 9.Jonathan Negus, 10.Liam Wooding, 11.Steven Savino, 12.Terry Theodorou, 13.Bailey Truscott, 14.Stefan Simic, 15.Yuki Nakaki, 16.Alex Jakob, 18.Fabian Barbiero, 19.Joseph Polisena, 21.Adam Van Dommele, 22.Matthew Crooks, 23.Christian Esposito, 24.Travis Dodd, 25.Callum Piantadosi (gk)

Bentleigh Greens squad: 1.Ryan Scott (gk), 2.Nick Apostolopulos, 5.Jack Webster, 6.Liam McCormick, 8.Wayne Wallace, 9.Chris Lucas, 10.Tyson Holmes, 11.Dion Kirk, 12.Josh Brindell-South, 14.Kamal Ibrahim, 15.Ross Archibald, 16.Troy Ruthven, 18.Matthew Thurtell, 19.Kieran Dover, 20.Marinos Panayi, 21.Daniel Neesham (gk), 22.Ryan Paczkowski, 23.Naim Delibajric, 24.Luke Pilkington

Bluffer's Guide

One of the most interesting match-ups of the round of 32, one-time semi-finalists Bentleigh takes on MetroStars at Elite Systems Football Centre.

MetroStars had a slow start to the season in the South Australian PS4 NPL but appear to be peaking at just the right time for a possible Westfield FFA Cup run.

They often saved their best for the Cup, claiming this year's spot by beating the Adelaide Comets in the SA decider.

The real strength of Robbie Saraceno's side is they don't rely on one or two players, with the likes of Adam van Dommele, Stefan Simic, Fabian Barbiero and Jonathan Negus strong contributors.

And any team with Travis Dodd can never be underestimated.

The Greens were the fairytale story of the inaugural FFA Cup and will be eager to replicate that dream run again.

Speedy striker Chris Lucas is the danger man for the visitors and has been banging in the goals in the PS4 Victorian NPL, where Bentleigh currently lead the ladder.

With Matt Thurtell and stalwart midfielder Wayne Wallace also in strong form, the Greens will be no easy-beats on the road.

And Bentleigh’s 3-0 win over fellow Cup side Gully last Friday night would’ve been another confidence boost for a side that’s having a fantastic 2016.