Preview: Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 MD 1

The Westfield FFA Cup is back on Wednesday night! This time with a couple of tasty NPL v A-League matches, a western Sydney Derby, a cracking Capital clash and Tim Cahill in Brisbane! What more could Cup fans ask for?

Blacktown City v Bonnyrigg White Eagles

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Lily’s football Centre, Seven Hills (NSW)

Kick-off: 7.30pm local (7:30pm AEST)

Referee: Stephen Lucas

Assistant Referee 1James Tesoriero

Assistant Referee 2: Andrej Giev

Fourth Official: Ben Abraham

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

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tags #BLCvBWE #FFACup

Blacktown City squad:  1.Nenad Vekic (gk), 3.Giorgio Speranza, 4.Roberto Speranza, 5.Isaac Dandan, 6.Matthew Lewis, 7.Travis Major, 8.Sasa Macura, 9.Joseph Gibbs, 10.Connor Evans, 11.Danny Seung-Joo Choi, 12.Jonothan Grozdanovski, 14.Mitchell Mallia, 15.Shayne D’Cunha, 16.Patrick Antelmi, 17.Lewis Beumie, 18.Jake Mamone, 19.Zachary Cairncross, 20.Dylan Niski (gk), 21.Riku Sasaki, 22.Dakota Askew, 40.Tristan Prendergast (gk)

Bonnyrigg White Eagles squad:  1.James Chronopoulos (gk), 2.Alexander Mansueto, 3.David Vrankovic, 4.Michael Robinson, 5.Adam Jenner, 6.Nikola Zonjic, 7.Gregory Kondek, 8.Hayden Tucker, 9.Robert Younis, 10.Yuta Kokado, 13.James McKenzie, 14.Taylor McDonald, 15.Raymond Miller, 16.Samuel Gallaway, 17.Mun-Soo Gil, 18.Asmir Kadric, 19.Aaron Peterson, 20.Stevan Savicic (gk), 21.Bo Hyun Chun, 23.Damian Cupac, 27.Andre Guzman, 31.Martin Lo, 33.Andrija Mandic, 39.Max Rowston (gk)

Bonnyrigg attacker Robbie Younis gets a shot away in the 3-0 win over Manly United.

Bluffer’s Guide

It’s another western Sydney derby between two PS4 NPL NSW clubs determined to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the Westfield FFA Cup.

Clashes between these two are rarely uneventful which should ensure Lily’s Football Stadium is pumping on Wednesday night.

It rained goals for both of these sides in their round of 32 wins so another goals rush isn’t out of the question.

Blacktown arguably produced the most impressive performance of the Round of 32, coming from two goals down to beat PS4 NPL NSW champions Sydney United 58 6-2.

Who will ever forget Danny Choi’s 70-metre wonder goal which became an instant viral sensation. Choi will again be a danger man for City but Mark Crittenden’s side really do have threats all over the park.

Blacktown City stunned Sydney United 58 6-2 on Wednesday night.

Patrick Antelmi scored a hat-trick in the win over United while former A-League attackers Mitch Mallia and Joey Gibbs also spearhead Blacktown’s attack.

Blacktown warmed up for their meeting with Bonnyrigg by crushing Manly United 4-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Choi, Antelmi, Gibbs and Travis Major. They are in ominous form.

But Bonnyrigg won’t be pushovers. Despite patchy form for much of the season in the NPL, the White Eagles have excelled in the Cup, as evidenced in their 3-0 demolition of Manly United in the last 32.

And they are hitting form at just the right time, making the PS4 NSW NPL finals with a late surge before seeing off Rockdale City Suns 4-2 in an Elimination Final on Saturday night. 

They are in form and confident.

Like Blacktown, Bonnyrigg aren’t short of lethal marksmen. Former Adelaide United striker Robert Younis has 11 goals in the NPL (fourth highest) and scored against Manly last round, while Aaron Peterson and youngster Asmir Kadric can’t be forgotten either.

No PS4 NPL NSW club has ever made the quarters of the FFA Cup so one of these clubs will make history on Wednesday night. 

But who will it be?


Brisbane Strikers v Melbourne City FC

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Perry Park, Bowen Hills (QLD) 

Kick-off:  7:30pm local (7:30pm AEST)

Referee: Peter Green

Assistant Referee 1David Walsh

Assistant Referee 2: Anton Shchetinin

Fourth Official: Jarred Gillett

Tickets: Click here for ticketing details

TV Broadcast: 7.00pm (AEST) Live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS 4 (Channel 505)

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tags #STRvMCY #FFACup

Brisbane Strikers squad:  1.Sebastian Usai (gk), 2.Chris Maher, 3.Tomas Ross, 4.Jake Marshall, 5.Greig Henslee, 6.Fraser Hills, 7.Felli Sheriff, 8.Michael Angus, 9.Rhys Meredith, 11.Jonti Richter, 12.Shaun Carlos, 13.Sam Knight, 14.Jake McLean, 15.Jesse Weimers, 16.Fraser Stevens, 17.Hiroki Omori, 18.Trent Clulow, 19.Luke Marsh, 20.Michael Weier (gk), 21.Sam Johnson, 24.Ryan Palmer, 25.Lachlan Weier

Melbourne City FC squad:  1.Thomas Sorensen (gk), 2.Manny Muscat, 3.Josh Rose, 4.Connor Chapman, 6.Osama Malik, 8.Neil Kilkenny, 11.Bruce Kamau, 12.Nick Fitzgerald, 14.Daniel Arzani, 17.Tim Cahill, 18.Paulo Retre, 20.Dean Bouzanis (gk), 21.Ruon Tongyik, 23.Bruno Fornaroli, 26.Luke Brattan, 28.Steve Kuzmanovski, 29.Anthony Caceres, 27.Fernando Brandan, 34.Denis Genreau, 36.Austin Wong, 35.Bradley Clarke, 30.Connor Metcalfe, 37.Yusuf  Ahmed, 38.Jordon Hall, 40.Yaren Sozer (gk)

Football fans in Queensland could see Tim Cahill in action in the FFA Cup when Melbourne City plays Brisbane Strikers.

Bluffer's guide

In their third straight year in the Westfield FFA Cup, the Strikers will finally get to host a match at their home ground Perry Park.

And what a night this will be. 

Hyundai A-League club Melbourne City – fresh from signing Caltex Socceroo superstar Tim Cahill – are coming to town for what could be Cahill's City debut. 

Brisbane, it's fair to say, is buzzing. 

City possess a star-studded squad that will be heavily favoured to progress to the last 16. But the Strikers (a former NSL club) will relish the chance to make their mark on the national stage again.

It should be noted that the Strikers – coached by Kevin A’Herne-Evans – secured the PS4 NPL title in Queensland just over a week ago so will approach this challenge full of confidence.

They also spanked Rovers Darwin 6-0 in the Top End in the Round of 32 with six different scorers, underlining a real strength all over the park.

Striker Rhys Meredith is their main man though, with 17 goals from 18 appearances in the league, while youngster Jake McLean often produces his best in the Cup.

Brisbane Strikers welcome Tim Cahill's Melbourne City to Perry Park in the FFA Cup round of 16.

Defender Greig Henslee, ex-Roar flyer Jonti Richter and the exciting Hiroki Omori add experience and quality to the side as well.

What a chance to make a real statement than against the cashed-up A-League heavyweights Melbourne City. John van ‘t Schip’s side is full of talent and attacking arsenal but are relatively early in their pre-season and short on match fitness.

It was only a cracking strike from Anthony Caceres that enabled them to see off a stubborn Floreat Athena last round. But you only have to scan through City’s options to understand the size of the task facing the home side.

Bruno Fornaroli, Neil Kilkenny, Luke Brattan, Nick Fitzgerald, Bruce Kamau, Fernando Brandan and Caceres. Not to mention Cahill. 

With pressure to add some silverware to their trophy cabinet – and with two Hyundai A-League clubs already falling to NPL opposition - City won’t underestimate the Strikers.

 If they do, we might just see another Cup boilover in 2016.

The Strikers also have an added incentive to take it to City with the NAB Golden Goals initiative, which will see the Westfield FFA Cup partner NAB give any Member Federation club $2,500 for each goal they score against a Hyundai A-League opponent.


Canberra Olympic v Redlands United

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Deakin Stadium, Deakin (ACT)

Kick-off: 7:30pm local (7:30pm AEST)

Referee: Katie Patterson

Assistant Referee 1Owen Goldrick

Assistant Referee 2: Greg Taylor

Fourth Official: Luke Withell

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

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tags #COLvRED  #FFACup

Canberra Olympic squad:  1.Angelo Konstantinou (gk), 2.Tim Bobolas, 3.Josh Calabria, 4.Daniel Colbertaldo, 5.Phil Yarnold, 6.Jeremy Habtemarium, 7.Patrick Ross-Magee, 8.Bernard Rene, 9.Philippe Bernabo-Madrid, 10.Robbie Cattanach, 11.Michael Reeve, 12.Adam Rogic, 13.Ben Basser-Silk, 14.Callum Smith, 15.Tom McLachlan, 16.Adam Neou, 17.Nicholas Bobolas, 18.Jordan Tsekenis, 19.Joel Valtonen, 20.Jack Pettit (gk), 21.George Kazolis (gk), 23.Oliver Wiederkher, 24.Daniel Giovinazzo, 99.Victor Yanes

Redlands United squad:  1.Brendan White (gk), 2.Michael McGowan, 3.Grant Brix, 4.Kai Halliday, 5.Paul O’Brien, 6.Nick Bianchi, 7.Michael Lee, 8.Russel Woodruffe, 9.Stephen Green, 10.Alistar Davis, 11.Graham Fyfe, 12.Adam Chandler, 13.Luke Hendrix, 14.Nick Danicic, 16.Igor Sao Jose, 17.Sam Langley, 19.Joe Black, 20.Jonathon Burrowes (gk)

Redlands players celebrate their incredible win over Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United.

Bluffer’s Guide

The Queenslanders produced arguably the greatest Westfield FFA Cup shock in the Round of 32 by eliminating Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United.

Electrician Paul O’Brien’s extra-time winner propelled Redlands onto the national spotlight in arguably the biggest moment in the club’s 99-year history.

Can they back it up at a frosty Deakin Reserve on Wednesday night?

Matt Chandler’s side hasn’t taken their foot off the gas since their win over the Reds, wrapping up a finals spot in PS4 NPL QLD after a 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar youth on the weekend.

Redlands build their success on a solid defensive structure which not only frustrated Adelaide United but also saw three of their defenders selected in our NPL Round of 32 All Stars squad.

NPL All Stars: Round of 32

But that’s not to say they don’t have quality in the front third either. Michael Lee is a tireless worker and possesses a goal threat, while Scottish attacking midfielder Graham Fyfe and Brazilian playmaker Igor Sao Jose are ones to watch.

Standing in their way is recently crowned Capital Football champions Canberra Olympic.

Frank Cachia’s side wrapped up the title in the ACT with their 3-1 win over the FFA Centre of Excellence  on Saturday but put celebrations on hold to ensure they’ll be cherry-ripe to try and make the last eight.

Philippe Bernabo-Madrid celebrates scoring Canberra Olympic's winner against Surfers Paradise Apollo in the FFA Cup Round of 32.

Like Redlands, Olympic are well-organised but have supreme quality going forward, led by prolific striker Philippe Bernabo-Madrid and the classy Robbie Cattanach. 

Jordan Tsekenis and Adam Rogic (brother of Socceroo Tom) are other excellent contributors for Olympic in what is a young team relishing the chance to make a splash on the national stage.

With two sides seemingly so evenly matched, supremely confident and in strong form, it really is hard to pick a winner.


Hume City v Melbourne Victory

Wednesday 24 August 2016

ABD Stadium, Broadmeadows (VIC)

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

Referee: Shaun Evans

Assistant Referee 1: Luke Brennan

Assistant Referee 2: Daniel Illievski

Fourth Official: Jonathan Barreiro

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

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tags #HCIvMVC #FFACup

Hume City squad:  1.Chris Oldfield (gk), 2.Daniel Chabaani, 3.Jeremy Walker, 5.Petar Franjic, 6.Ramazan Tavsancioglu, 7.Kofi Danning, 8.Theo Markelis, 9.Tom Cahill, 10.Joseph Franjic, 12.Daniel Clark, 13.Shane Rexhepi, 14.Kym Harris, 18.Karl Baricevic, 20.Jordan Franken (gk), 21.Kristian Trajceski, 22.Deniz Yildiz, 24.Sam Beninato, 26.Jordan Fahim, 28.Hernan Espindola, 39.Nick Hegarty

Melbourne Victory squad:  2.Jason Geria, 3.Scott Galloway, 4.Nicholas Ansell, 5.Daniel Georgievski, 6.Leigh Broxham, 8.Besart Berisha, 10.James Troisi, 11.Mitch Austin, 13.Oliver Bozanic, 14.Fahid Ben Khalfallah, 15.Alan Baro, 16.Rashid Mahazi, 17.James Donachie, 19.George Howard, 20.Lawrence Thomas (gk), 21.Carl Valeri, 22.Stefan Nigro, 23.Jai Ingham, 25.Sebastian Pasquali, 30.Lucas Spinella (gk)

Hume City players celebrate their shootout win over Marconi.

Bluffer's guide

For the second year in a row, these two Victorian clubs go head-to-head in the Westfield FFA Cup.

It was Hyundai A-League giants Melbourne Victory who prevailed at the semi-final stage last year on their way to clinching their first FFA Cup trophy.

But the Victorian PS4 NPL club were far from disgraced and return to the national stage dreaming of becoming the next member federation club to pull off a Cup shock.

It would take a huge performance for Hume to be able to knock off Kevin Muscat’s defending champions, especially after they missed the finals in the PS4 NPL Victoria following a 2-0 defeat to Bulleen Lions on Sunday.

Hume City only just scraped through their Round of 32 tie against Marconi as well, with Kym Harris' late goal in extra-time allowing them to win in a shootout.

They will need to be better against Victory. That’s not to say Hume don’t have the quality to do it.

The burden of expectation on their shoulders against Marconi won’t be there anymore while in Nick Hegarty, Theo Markelis, Tom Cahill and Harris there is goals and talent through the line-up.

Victory won’t take them lightly.

Still early in their pre-season, Muscat’s squad saw off Newcastle Jets in the Round of 32 on the back of two huge games in July against Juventus and Atletico Madrid. 

It will be a special game for Victory winger Jai Ingham, who got his shot with the A-League side due to his exploits with Hume in last year’s competition. Will he come back to haunt his old club?

Besart Berisha celebrates scoring the second in Victory's 2-0 win over Perth Glory.

Besart Berisha looms as the dangerman though for Hume. With nine goals the Albanian is the most prolific scorer in FFA Cup history, including one in the 3-1 disposal of the Jets.

Still, this will be a tough test for Victory.

Hume also has the chance to add some cash to their coffers with the NAB Golden Goals initiative, which will see the Westfield FFA Cup partner give any Member Federation club $2,500 for each goal they score against a Hyundai A-League opponent.