Adelaide United face a stern Wellington test as they seek progression in the Westfield FFA Cup at Marden Sports Complex.
Adelaide United are determined to progress as far as possible in the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup as they take on Wellington Phoenix in the first round of the competition.
The FFA Cup is a knockout tournament based on the FA Cup in England that provides the smaller local clubs the opportunity to pit themselves against against professional sides.
The Reds are coming into the match having suffered a 5-1 defeat to an impressive Málaga CF side but were strong in their victories against Metro Stars, Perth Glory and Adelaide Comets.
The squad will be without head coach Josep Gombau, captain Galekovic and playmaker Marcelo Carrusca as they fulfill their duties with the Foxtel A-League All Stars.
Assistants Pau Marti who just returned from a coaching course in Barcelona and Michael Valkanis will both take the reigns as head coaches.
Gombau has so far used this pre-season to bring youth players into the squad in order for them to gain some experience and get used to the playing style of the first team. One of the Reds’ newest signings Jimmy Jeggo, who has been impressive in his midfield role in pre-season thus far, believes that there are a handful of players who are ready for the call up.
“There are plenty of boys who are ready to step up and be counted for. Everyone knows their roles around the club and we’re going to play exactly the same way if the coach was here”, said the 22 year old, who makes his competitive debut for the Reds.
“That is, we’re going to try and dictate the play and bring the game to Wellington.
“They’ve had a number of decent signings in the off-season but we’re focused and looking at going as far as we can in this competition.”
Bruce Kamau, Mark Ochieng, Nathan Konstandopolous and Anthony Costa, among many others, are youth team players that have heavily featured for the Reds in their pre-season preparations, and will look to make an impact in the match.
Meanwhile, Wellington Phoenix were recently hosts of the Football United tour – welcoming English Premier League clubs Newcastle United and West Ham and A-League club Sydney FC.
The club secured an historic 2-1 victory over West Ham in the tournament and will be arriving in Adelaide with some renewed confidence.
Their squad has also received a boost from recent signings Nathan Burns, Ajax Academy Graduate Roly Bonevacia and local New Zealand defender Tom Doyle who are possibilities to feature in tonight’s match.
The clash between the two A-League clubs ensures to be a classic to remember as the new FFA Cup competition looks at becoming a mainstay for years to come.
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32
Adelaide United FC v Wellington Phoenix
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Marden Sports Complex, Marden (SA)
Kick-off: 7:30pm local (8:00pm EST)
Referee: Shaun Evans
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel Goodwin
Assistant Referee 2: Stephen Toth
Fourth Official: Rick Schneider
Tickets: Tickets from adelaideunited.com.au or available to purchase at the venue
Twitter: http://twitter.com/adelutd_fc (hash-tag #ADLvWEL)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/adelaideunitedfc
Instagram: http://instagram.com/adelutd_fc (hash-tag #ADLvWEL)
Adelaide United FC Squad: 3.Nigel BOOGAARD (C), 4.Dylan McGOWAN, 5.Osama MALIK, 8.ISAIAS, 9.Sergio CIRIO, 11.Bruce DJITE, 12. Mark OCHIENG, 13.Dylan SMITH, 15.Ben WARLAND, 17.Awer MABIL, 18.Jimmy JEGGO, 20.Paul IZZO (GK), 21.Tarek ELRICH, 23.Jordan ELSEY, 24.Bruce KAMAU, 26.Anthony COSTA, 30.John HALL (GK), 32.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS
**Two to be omitted**
Unavailable: Eugene GALEKOVIC (Foxtel All-Stars), Marcelo CARRUSCA (Foxtel All-Stars), Michael MARRONE (Ankle – 4-6 weeks), CASSIO (hamstring – indefinite), Cameron WATSON (toe – 1-2 weeks), Fabio FERREIRA (ankle – 4 weeks)
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1.Glen MOSS (GK), 3.Reece CAIRA, 5.Michael BOXALL, 6.Josh BRINDELL-SOUTH, 7.Kenny CUNNINGHAM, 8.Alejandro RODRIGUEZ GORRIN, 9.Nathan BURNS, 11.Jeremy BROCKIE, 12.Tyler BOYD, 14.Alex RUFER, 15.Jason HICKS, 16.Louis FENTON, 17.Vince LIA, 18.Ben SIGMUND, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (GK), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE, 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 24.Thomas DOYLE
**Three to be omitted**
