The clash
Melbourne City will be vying for their second FFA Cup trophy when they travel to Coopers Stadium to take on Adelaide United on Wednesday 23 October.
In what is set to be the second clash in four days between City and the Reds, Head Coach Erick Mombaerts’ side will be looking to make it back-to-back wins over their South Australian rivals.
City hosted the Reds in Round 2 of the 2019/20 season at AAMI Park, where a Jamie Maclaren brace steered the hosts to a 2-1 win over Adelaide.
The in-form attacker continued his impressive run of goalscoring form, netting a quick-fire double in the first period. The first of those came 24 minutes into the contest, as Connor Metcalfe’s strike took multiple deflections before falling to Maclaren who showed great composure to take a touch before sliding it past Paul Izzo in the Reds goal.
Four minutes later both City and Maclaren would have their second as well-worked set-piece resulted in Scott Jamieson whipping in a dangerous cross towards the back post which was met by a clinical Maclaren finish. Former City attacker, Riley McGree struck in the second period but Mombaerts’ men held firm to secure their first three points of the 2019/20 season.
City can draw on a number of positives from their Round 2 encounter with the Reds, but Wednesday night’s FFA Cup Final will be a different contest. It’s all on the line, as the two former cup winner’s go head-to-head.
Wednesday night’s cup final presents an opportunity for City to equal Adelaide as the most successful FFA Cup team (two trophies) in the history of the competition.
We’re set for a fierce battle on enemy territory as we look to kick-start our season in the best way possible.
Last time they met
City defeated Adelaide United at AAMI Park in Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
Jamie Maclaren netted a first-half brace, as Riley McGree pegged a goal back for the Reds in the second period.
Team news
Florin Berenguer is the only player unavailable as he continues his recovery from a muscular injury.
What was said?
Melbourne City defender Richard Windbichler
“Sunday [match against Adelaide] was a really big confidence booster… You don’t get many chances to win trophies so there’s no excuse on Wednesday, all that matters is bringing home a trophy to City.”
Where and when?
City will battle Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday 23 October in the FFA Cup Final, kick-off 7:30pm (AEDT).
