The 2019 FFA Cup concludes tonight, with an entertaining clash between Adelaide United and Melbourne City expected at Coopers Stadium.
Both clubs performed well in the pre-season, however their form contrasts greatly in the A-League – after two rounds, City are undefeated and Adelaide have lost their opening two matches.
The last meeting between these two sides came only on Sunday, with City getting the job done in a 2-1 victory at AAMI Park. Jamie Maclaren scored a double to help the home side over the line, and will be a player that Adelaide needs to look out for.
Both clubs have done well to make the decider, having come into this season with new managers – Erick Mombaerts at City and Gertjan Verbeek at Adelaide. One of these bosses will pick up their first piece of silverware after only a couple of months in charge.
City secured their place in the final by defeating Brisbane Strikers 5-1, coming back from a 1-0 deficit. Likewise, Adelaide also fought back from being a goal down, beating the Central Coast Mariners 2-1 on the second night of semi-final action.
This is City’s second ever FFA Cup final after their 2016 win over Sydney FC – a header from Tim Cahill securing a 1-0 victory, and the club’s only trophy to date.
On the other hand, 2019 marks Adelaide’s third consecutive final and fourth in their history. A win for the Reds would mean that they will go back-to-back in this competition. Should they be successful, it will also be their third FFA Cup trophy.
This contest will be fierce and it should not be a repeat of Sunday’s A-League encounter. The home crowd may work in Adelaide’s favour and their experience in this competition puts the Reds in a good position.
However, with Jamie Maclaren firing and the likes of Craig Noone in the squad, City are a great chance of winning.
