Sydney FC can run Adelaide ragged, says Arnold

Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold insists fatigue won't be an issue for his side in Tuesday night's Westfield FFA Cup Final against Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium.

The Sky Blues will be chasing a first FFA Cup title when they face the Reds but must deal with a short turnaround after defeating Newcastle Jets in heavy conditions on Saturday night.

Conversely, Adelaide will be considerably fresher after recording a come-from-behind win over Central Coast Mariners on Thursday night.

But despite the tricky schedule, Arnold is adamant his side's superior fitness will shine through in the decider.

"We're fit. I've repeatedly said it many times before but I believe and the players believe we're the fittest team in the country,” Arnold said at the pre-game press conference.

"We can deal with this easily. We're going to have to deal with it later with the Champions League.

"We haven’t had to move out of Sydney. There’s been no travel involved. We’ll be fine."

Sydney have had a reasonably comfortable road to the Final after accounting for lower-tier opposition Darwin Rovers, Bankstown Berries and South Melbourne, netting 16 goals along the way.

Bobo
Bobo helped Sydney past South Melbourne in the Semi-Finals.

The Sky Blues' only Hyundai A-League opposition was Melbourne City in the Quarter-Finals, who they brushed aside 2-0 at Leichhardt Oval.

And with the final to be played at Allianz Stadium, a venue Arnold described as their 'fortress', the Sydney FC mentor is very confident his side will be far too strong for the Reds.

"It would have been tougher if we had to travel somewhere. They've had to travel three times in five days," Arnold said.

"For us, we've been able to stay here. We're at our own home tomorrow night, we're at our fortress Allianz.

"It's where we feel very comfortable. We've got a great record here and that will continue tomorrow night."

Sydney FC Allianz Stadium
The Sky Blues are hard to beat on home turf.

Fullback Luke Wilkshire and striker Matt Simon were rested against Newcastle, while Johnny Warren Medalist Milos Ninkovic played just over 65 minutes ahead of the Final.

"They're in great shape. We're fresh. Even though it's a three-day turnaround. I took players off so they wouldn't go into the zone after 60 minutes of fatigue, which tires them out,” Arnold said.

"Luke Wilkshire's back, Matty Simon's back. They were rested for the game. Bobo is fine, Alex Brosque's 100 per cent, Adrian Mierzejewski's 100% fit now.

"Ninkovic got 60 minutes. We're 100% ready to go."