We’re now into the third edition of the FFA Cup, and the competition has been a huge success.
Bridging the gap between the old (NSL era) and new (A-League era), the FFA Cup has already provided some memorable matches and now has a permanent place in Australian football.
Melbourne City v Sydney FC | Wednesday, November 30, 7.30pm (AEDT), AAMI Park
In this year’s edition, we’ve enjoyed some giant killing performances but it’s hard to argue against the two best teams have made it to the final.
Sydney FC have yet to concede a goal in the FFA Cup and are top of the A-League, while at the other end, they’ve had nine different goal scorers during their Cup run.
They’re blessed with a strong squad with plenty of depth and many players in top form.
Melbourne City have had seven different goal scorers themselves so have also shown they can get goals from all over the park.
With an intense pressing style and flexible formation, City are capable of unsettling Sydney and punishing any lapses.
With so many dangerous players on display, both defences will be fully tested.
City have shown some defensive vulnerability this season in A-League losses to Perth and Brisbane but have also shown the ability to bounce back quickly and fix any issues.
A huge advantage for Melbourne City, is that the game will be played at their home ground, AAMI Park but Sydney are just as strong on the road as they are at home, so expect a very even match-up.
Both teams like to press so it’ll be interesting to see what approach Graham Arnold and John van’t Schip take in trying to play through the pressure.
KEY BATTLE: Bruno Fornaroli v Danny Vukovic
Both players have been in exceptional form this season and the winner of this battle could prove the difference between the two sides.
When Fornaroli is on song, he can win games on his own while Vukovic (pictured below) has kept things very tight at the back for the the Sky Blues, providing the platform to go out and attack.
The verdict
Sydney have shown consistency in both the FFA Cup and the A-League and will carry that into the final.
If they can beat City’s press and take advantage of their own attacking play, they should be too strong.
Unibet Odds: Melbourne City $2.20 Draw $3.60 Sydney FC $3.00
Tip: Sydney FC
Total goals: over 2.5 goals
Correct score: Sydney FC 2-1
