FFA Cup Final: Sydney FC v Adelaide

Sydney FC v Adelaide Utd
(Tue 7:30pm)at Allianz Stadium 

Sydney FC v Adelaide UtdAdelaide won the inaugural FFA Cup in 2014 and Sydney FC look to become the 4th team to clami the League Cup with Victory (2015) and City (2016) the other sides on the trophy. As has been the case in the A-League over the last 18 months the Sky Blues have also been the benchmark in this competition. Sydney have conceded a total of only 2 goals in their last 9 FFA Cup matches. They were runner up to Melbourne City a year ago and will attempt to go one better when the host Adelaide Utd on Tueday night.

The Reds deserve a lot of credit for their performances to date in this tournament. They have beaten 3 A-League sides en route to the final highlighted by a 2-1 win away to the Wanderers in the semi’s. They have had some troubles recently against Sydney FC – failing to find the back of the net in their last 3 meetings with the current A-League champions. The news gets better for Sydney fans as their side has not lost at home in 24 competitive matches. The last team to beat them at Allianz Stadium… Adelaide 2-0 more than 18 months ago.

Both sides scored 2-1 wins in their respective A-League matches over the weekend with Sydney’s win over Newcastle sending them back to top spot. There can be no questioning Sydney’s championship credentials and whenever they have been asked a question they have responded in impressive fashion. They have now beaten the team top of the A-League in 2 of their last 3 matches making them deserved favourites for this encounter. Adelaide will have the advantage of two additional days rest but under Graham Arnold Sydney have shown that they will not be beaten on fitness.

One thing that has also happened under the reign of Graham Arnold is a controlled tempo in important fixtures. The Wolf expects Sydney to win the battle ealry and take control of the centre of the park. Slow starts are common occurrence when these two meet with the teams heading into the sheds at half time locked at 0-0 in 6 of the last 10 clashes. After a poor run with injuries Adelaide now have most bodies back on deck and they may be boosted by the return of game breaker Johan Absalonsen who has been out for a month. He was a huge reason for Adelaide’s early season success and they have lacked spark without him.

Defence is almost always the winning factor in championship matches and in terms of that we cannot look past Sydney FC. It has been more than 20 games since they last tasted defeat at Allianz Stadium and have proven themselves time and time again in big game matches. They have also scored multiple goals in their last 8 competitive matches at the venue and deserve the success they will taste on Tuesday night.

Best: Sydney FC WIN ($1.72)
Value: 1st Half Correct Score 0-0 ($3.25)
Correct Score: Sydney FC 2-0 ($9.00)