Three all-A-Leagues fixtures are set to headline the Australia Cup Round of 32, with Wednesday night’s draw pitting title defenders Melbourne Victory against Isuzu UTE A-League Champions Western United.
Sydney FC will play host to Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United will travel to face Newcastle Jets in the two additional all-A-Leagues bouts.
Macarthur FC head coach Dwight Yorke will take charge of his side in a competitive match for the very first time in the Round of 32; his Bulls will face either Edge Hill United (QLD) or Magpies Crusaders United (QLD).
Wellington Phoenix travel to Tasmania to face Devonport City Strikers, whilst Newcastle Olympic FC (NNSW) host Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar meet Heidelberg United in Victoria.
In the Network 10 studio for the draw was former Australia Cup and A-Leagues star Daniel McBreen, who saw a meeting between Tony Popovic’s Victory and John Aloisi’s Western as the pick of the fixtures heading into the Round of 32.
“You couldn’t write it,” said McBreen.
“I don’t think you can top that. Last year’s champions in the cup, and last year’s champions in the league, going head to head in a derby first in the Round of 32.”
Network 10 football analyst Andy Harper, meanwhile, looked at the 16 ties and noted the three all-A-Leagues affairs will open the door for member federation clubs to make a deeper run in the cup.
“Given the open nature of the draw , which is a fantastic evolution… we’ve got three A-Leagues head-to-head matches, which means there will be three less A-League teams in the next draw,” Harper said.
“That opens up the passage for the member federation teams to come through – that’s a great sublet that’s brewing already.”
The Round of 32 will begin from July 21, with fixture details soon to be confirmed.
FULL DRAW – ROUND OF 32
Bentleigh Greens (VIC) v Broadmeadow Magic FC (NNSW)
Sydney FC (A-Leagues) v Central Coast Mariners (A-Leagues)
Peninsula Power (QLD) v NWS Spirit FC
Brisbane City FC (QLD) v Cockburn City SC (WA)
Adelaide City FC (SA) v Logan Lightning (QLD)
Newcastle Jets (A-Leagues) v Adelaide United (A-Leagues)
Wollongong United FC (NSW) v Green Gully SC (VIC)
Bonnyrigg White Eagles (NSW) v Oakleigh Cannons (VIC)
Armadale SC (WA) v Modbury Jets SC (SA)
Devonport City Strikers (TAS) v Wellington Phoenix (A-Leagues)
Edge Hill United (QLD) or Magpies Crusaders United (QLD) v Macarthur FC (A-Leagues)
Mindil Aces FC (NT) v Avondale FC (VIC)
Heidelberg United (VIC) v Brisbane Roar (A-Leagues)
Newcastle Olympic FC (NNSW) v Melbourne City (A-Leagues)
Sydney United 58 FC (NSW) v Monaro Panthers FC (ACT)
Western United (A-Leagues) v Melbourne Victory (A-Leagues)
