A Greek derby and an A-League battle faces the Greek sponsored teams still left in the FFA Cup tonight.
Queensland’s Olympic FC will take on the toughest competition, when they come up against A-League 2012/13 champions Central Coast Mariners, while Sydney Olympic and Bentleigh Greens will get the NSW Greek community fired up in their match.
Sydney Olympic have the worst fixture of the bunch, with coach Grant Lee having to pick his team up after a NSW NPL grand final loss to Blacktown City.
He’s only had 48 hours to get his team up and ready, a situation Bentleigh Greens will be sure to use to their advantage.
Brothers Harris and Michael Gaitatzis, who helped dispose of Manly United in the last round, will again be vital to Olympic’s hopes while Ryan Keir and Go Shirai are key contributors in midfield.
Bentleigh Greens didn’t manage to get their final win for the NPL, after they were bested 2-0 by Melbourne Knights on Friday.
Being the travelling team gives them a handicap, but John Anastasiades’ side has proven itself capable, beating the same team Sydney Olympic failed to beat this Sunday, in their last FFA Cup match.
Jim Bellas’ Olympic FC have a mammoth task going up against Central Coast Mariners, but the Olympic coach has been doing his homework.
The A-League royalty will be bringing their best, but still in pre-season form, Olympic will be going against them at the best time possible.
Olympic has its own A-League secret weapon, ex-Brisbane Roar striker Tim Smits. He will be crucial in Olympic’s match hopes.
Sydney Olympic v Bentleigh Greens
Tuesday 16 September 2014 (Kick-Off 7.30pm local time)
Lambert Park, Leichhardt NSW
Olympic FC v Central Coast Mariners
Tuesday 16 September 2014 (Kick-Off 7.30pm local time)
Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre (QSAC), Nathan QLD
