The FFA couldn’t have wished for a more highly-anticipated match-up in this Wednesday night’s FFA Cup final at AAMI Park than hosts Melbourne City and league leader Sydney FC.
The final promises to be a closely-fought match between the two top sides in the league this season, and with a glittering array of A-League talent on display.
It will also be the first time the two sides have met this season and will be followed just ten days later by their first league encounter.
Sydney has been the standout team this season, undefeated in seven league matches and four cup ties, boasting a record of 10 wins and a draw as well as the most impressive goal difference by far in the league. It’s an indication that coach Arnold has found the right balance between attack and defence this season. After the disappointment of last season, Arnold has developed a different style of play based on a physically demanding, high intensity game which none of its opponents this season has found a way to overcome.
Could Melbourne City be the first? City fans, who will be out in force on Wednesday night, will be hoping so. Much will depend on how both teams emerge from their respective league matches this weekend in the lead-up to the final.
If it emerges unscathed, City has the personnel to trouble Sydney’s formidable defence. Golden Boot winner and skipper Bruno Fornaroli will be in his happy hunting ground AAMI Park, while big game player Tim Cahill can always be counted on to rise to the big occasion. They have dangerous wingmen Bruce Kamau and Fernando Brandan as well as another X-factor in Argentine marquee Nicholas Colazo, who returns from injury.
City will have to find a way of coping with Sydney FC’s high press and physicality. Melbourne City’s two league defeats this season were narrow losses to Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar and in both games, City struggled to cope with the high-energy, high-pressing style of its opponents.
Who lines up in goal for City could determine how effectively it copes with Sydney’s press. Dean Bouzanis, who came off injured in last week’s unconvincing away draw to Western Sydney, is a better passer of the ball and more comfortable with the ball at his feet, than veteran Thomas Sorensen. Bouzanis would presumably be selected if fit to play, as he would certainly help City play out more effectively through a high-pressing opponent.
Sydney will deservedly go into the game a slight favourite based on current form, but Graham Arnold’s team will face its toughest opponent this year and will have to make history by becoming the first away team to win the FFA Cup final in its short three year history.
The match kicks off at 7.30 pm on Wednesday night at AAMI Park.