Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers are in the FFA Cup Quarter Finals again.
Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers arein the FFA Cup Quarter Finals again.
2016 winners City and two-time Semi-Finalists Wanderers are set to add another chapter to this fascinating cup rivalry on Wednesday evening – their third meeting in the last eight.
And for both clubs, the importance of winning this one goes far beyond simply keeping their FFA Cup 2019 title dreams alive.
City and Wanderers are entering the new Hyundai A-League season with lofty ambitions, and FFA Cup progression would give the victor a huge hit of confidence ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
The 2016 FFA Cup remains Melbourne’s only piece of silverware to date. Western Sydney, meanwhile, will feel they are overdue in adding to their inaugural Premiership and 2014 AFC Champions League titles.
So far, the signs for City coach Erick Mombaerts and Wanderers boss Markus Babbel have been positive.
City have progressed to the FFA Cup last eight by defeating South Australian heavyweights Campbelltown City 3-1 in the Round of 32 and former National Soccer League giants Marconi Stallions 2-1 in the Round of 16.
All five goals were scored by Caltex Socceroo Jamie Maclaren (three) and new English winger Craig Noone (two).
The Wanderers, meanwhile, have advanced thanks to a brilliant 2-1 win over Hyundai A-League Premiers Perth Glory and a 7-1 demolition of local rivals Sydney United 58.
Watch Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers LIVE on FOX Sports Channel 505 on Wednesday 18 September.
