The clash
It’s that time of year again, as the magic of the cup returns with Melbourne City travelling to South Australia to take on Australian NPL champions Campbelltown City at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Wednesday night.
In what will be Head Coach Erick Mombaerts’ first competitive match in charge of Melbourne City, the side that took out the competition in 2016 will be again looking to make their mark as they seek a second FFA Cup trophy.
Following a solid three weeks on the track to begin their pre-season, City ramped up their preparations for the cup tie with a 4-3 friendly win over NPL Victoria side Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve on Tuesday 23 July.
In difficult conditions, City fought off the hosts over three 40-minute periods, with Connor Metcalfe, Jamie Maclaren, Lachlan Wales and Moudi Najjar all finding the back of the net.
City will look to continue their winning momentum on Wednesday night, but it’s a task that won’t be easy as they face a determined Campbelltown City outfit, who booked their first appearance in the Round of 32 by taking out last year’s Australian NPL title.
Alongside holding the current Australian NPL title, Campbelltown are also the reigning South Australian NPL Champions and Premiers, and sit four points clear atop the 2019 NPL SA table.
With both sides vying for a spot in the Round of 16, we are set for an enthralling knockout clash in Newton, South Australia.
Team news
With a clean bill of health, Head Coach Erick Mombaerts’ entire squad will be available for selection.
What was said?
Melbourne City FC Head Coach Erick Mombaerts
“We know Campbelltown is a good team. We have seen their games and I’m sure they’ll be ready. They will fight and play their style and we have to be ready for that,” he said.
“I’m just asking the players to win on Wednesday night. I want to play our style of play but we have to adapt as well. We have to judge the situation and the conditions because we know we have to win to go forward in the cup.”
Where and when?
City take on Campbelltown City in the FFA Cup Round of 32 at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Wednesday 31 July, kick-off 7:30pm (AEST).
