Adelaide City v West Adelaide
Coca-Cola Federation Cup Final

When: Saturday, May 31st, Kick-off 3pm
Where: Coopers Stadium, Holden Street, HINDMARSH

Teams:

Adelaide City: Luke OSTBYE (GK), Michael ACTON, Alex SUNASKY, Shane TOBIAS, Matthew HALLIDAY (C), Matthew MULLEN, Joel ALLWRIGHT, Paul BLEFARI, Anthony COSTA, Paul RADICE, Nicholas BUCCO, Alex RIDEOUT, Vincent TALLADIRA, Joshua MORI, Shannon DAY, Thomas LOVE, Fabian GARRUCIO, Nick BUDIN

West Adelaide: Lewis MOSS (GK), Yianni SARRIS, Eli VLASSIS, Joe WRIGHT, Kosta MANTIS, Jordan WATSON, Riccardo DA SILVA, Tommy BRISCOE, Paul PEZOS (C), Nathan ANDIJANTO, Nikos KOSKOLETOS, Tom GUTTORMSEN, Liam MILLER, Matthew HIERN, Kon TSACOS (RGK)

Form:

Adelaide City: L L L

Round 12: Campbelltown City 1-0 Adelaide City, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 13: Adelaide City 1-3 Croydon, Adelaide City Park
Round 14: Adelaide City 1-2 West Adelaide, Adelaide City Park

West Adelaide: W D W

Round 12: Raiders 0-1 West Adelaide, Croatian Sports Centre
Round 13: West Adelaide 1-1 Campbelltown City, Adelaide Shores Football Centre
Round 14: Adelaide City 1-2 West Adelaide, Adelaide City Park

Preview:

Historic rivals Adelaide City and West Adelaide clash with silverware and a Westfield FFA Cup spot on the line in the Coca-Cola Federation Cup Final at Coopers Stadium on Saturday.

The black and whites go into the decider in poor form, having lost the past three matches. This includes last Friday’s tune-up match between the pair.

Striker Nicholas Bucco said they were on the wrong end of a closely fought contest.

“It was disappointing to lose that like. We played well and deserved something, but in the end they took their chances and we didn’t,” Bucco said.

“I think in the final, aside from taking our chances, we can be a bit better in possession and tighten up at the back. Also we’ll need quicker movement and passing.”

City are the reigning Federation Cup champions, having defeated White City last year on penalties. It was their 16th Cup triumph.

Bucco says given what is up for grabs this one is even more special.

“It’s going to be huge. We’ve been talking about this ever since the FFA Cup was introduced. We want to lift the trophy and get Adelaide City back on the national stage.

“We haven’t beaten West this season yet, but what the two games have shown is there’s very little between the two. It’s a final, so anything can happen.”

West Adelaide trailed at Adelaide City Park last week, but goals from Nathan Andijanto and Eli Vlassis ensured a fifth win from six matches.

Coach Joel Porter was impressed with his team.

“I thought we were good in possession, stuck to our plan and defended well,” Porter noted.

“In the first half we were good on the ball, but probably lacked the final pass. We got better after the break. Once we scored we didn’t give City too much.

“They were dangerous on set pieces and that is something we can work on for this game.”

Following the club’s rebirth in 2008, West have enjoyed a steady rise. They can not only to add to three previous Cup triumphs, but also return to national consciousness.

Porter says this match is the perfect storm.

“It’s a massive game. With the FFA Cup on the line it’s a great opportunity for the players. This final gives us the chance to go on and play against the best.

“We want to get the club back on the national stage. And it’s a cup final, against Adelaide City, at Hindmarsh. We haven’t played them there for a while.”