Melbourne City are set to face an in-form Marconi Stallions outfit who are primed for finals action in NPL New South Wales when the two teams go head-to-head in the FFA Cup Round of 16 later this month.
Having finished their regular season in 5th, the FOUR-time Australian national league champions had no troubles consistently finding the back of the net throughout the campaign, going at an average of almost two goals-per-game, whilst maintaining a respectable defensive record.
City fans should approach the fixture with caution, as the Stallions are in seriously-good form heading into the NPL NSW Finals series. Having won the Waratah Cup (state-wide knockout tournament) in July against archrivals Sydney United, Marconi went on to string together a five-game winning streak which was only recently ended in the last round of the season by dominant league-leaders Wollongong Wolves in a tight 1-0 contest.
The Stallions progressed through to the Round of 16 by downing South Hobart 3-0 in Tasmania; an ominous performance in which Marconi dominated Hobart with their fast, physical play and immense pressure on the backline.
Having done the hard work away from home in the Round of 32, the Stallions’ confidence will be reinforced by hosting the upcoming FFA Cup tie at their historic home ground, the iconic Marconi Stadium in Sydney’s west.
Club captain Marko Ješić headlines the Marconi attack with 10 goals from 23 appearances this season. The former-Olyroo spent a six-year period with the Newcastle Jets between 2008 and 2013, scoring 10 from 52 whilst playing in the A-League.
The striker is also supported by another former-A-League product, Mitchell Mallia. Having spent time with the Mariners, Sydney FC and, most recently, Perth Glory in 2017/18, Mallia has found the back of the net on eight occasions from his 20 appearances for Marconi this campaign.
City fans may be familiar with ex-APIA Leichardt defender Nathan Millgate given his role in his former-team’s shock defeat of Victory at this stage of the competition last year, heading home the winning-goal from an 80th minute set-piece.
If you're looking to travel over to support the boys, make sure you check out the pregame event organised by the Melbourne City Travelling Fans group! Join them at Club Marconi from 4:30pm before the match.
Melbourne City are set to face Marconi Stallions in this FFA Cup Round of 16 clash held at Marconi Stadium in New South Wales on Wednesday, August 21. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.
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