The Australia Cup 2023 Round of 16 concludes on Wednesday night with the final three quarter final spots up for grabs and headlined by APIA Leichhardt hosting Sydney FC.
Some of the best National Premier Leagues sides are in action, looking to give A-Leagues opposition a big challenge.
APIA Leichhardt FC v Sydney FC
Date: Wednesday 30 August 2023
Time: 7:30 pm AEST
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
NPL NSW premiers APIA Leichhardt host Sydney FC in a blockbuster at Leichhardt Oval.
APIA confirmed their title last weekend with a come-from-behind 2-1 win against St George City.
However, it’s been a patchy run recently for Franco Parisi’s men, having won just three of their last six matches in the league.
The side earned their place in the Round of 16 with a 4-1 victory over Goulbourn Valley Suns.
Jason Romero’s brace has ignited a resurgence in form for the forward, who has now scored four in his last five.
Sydney FC made their way through to the Round of 16 in a drama-filled encounter with Central Coast Mariners going all the way to penalties.
After giving up a two-goal lead, Jaiden Kucharski fired home in the last seconds of extra time to send the game to spot kicks.
Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne scored the decisive goal in a 10-9 thriller.
APIA have a history of causing upsets against A-Leagues teams in the Cup, and they’ll be eager to do it again fresh off lifting silverware.
Gold Coast Knights FC v Western United FC
Date: Wednesday 30 August 2023
Time: 7:30 pm AEST
Venue: Croatian Sports Centre
Gold Coast Knights take on Western United at Croatian Sports Centre, hoping to go further than they’ve ever gone in the Cup.
The Knights have been one of the most defensively resolute teams in the competition so far, conceding just two goals across five matches.
They managed to down Devonport City Strikers 1-0 in the Round of the 32, with captain Austin Ludwik scoring the winner early in the second half.
Gold Coast lifted the NPL Queensland title last weekend, finishing 10 points ahead of their nearest competitor.
Western United breezed past Edgeworth Eagles 4-0 in the Round of 32 courtesy of a blistering first half.
United’s forwards were in great form as youngster Noah Botic opened the scoring, while Lachlan Wales notched a brace.
The Knights come into this one with plenty of confidence after their history-making 2023 campaign and will give Western a tough test on Wednesday night.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC v Heidelberg United FC
Date: Wednesday 30 August 2023
Time: 7:30 pm AEST
Venue: Popondetta Park
Mount Druitt Town Rangers play Heidelberg United at Popondetta Park ahead of a high-stakes week for the club.
The Rangers finished second last in the NPL NSW which means they have a do-or-die playoff match at the weekend.
Mount Druitt come into this game with fresher legs, as few of their first graders featured last Sunday in their final league match.
Stewart Montgomery’s team have had a tough run of results to finish the season with their Cup Round of 32 victory, their only one in their last fourteen matches.
The side defeated Canberra Croatia 3-1 in the Round of 32 courtesy of two goals from Anthony Frangie and one from Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika.
Heidelberg United have had a much stronger finish to their season, winning their last four games.
United put in a strong showing against Moreton Bay United last round getting up 3-0.
Kaine Shephard scored early before Joshua Pin and Sean Ellis finished off the job.
After a disappointing NPL NSW season, Mount Druitt will want to finish on a high and progress further in the Cup, but United are flying currently and will be tricky opposition.
Australia Cup 2023 Quarter Final Live Draw
Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2023
Time: After the last match tonight
How to watch: LIVE on 10play – https://10play.com.au/australia-cup
Football Australia YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar3qhc2fhlY
Australia Cup Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/events/2165533216984625/
How to follow: Follow Australia Cup on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup
Following the Live Draw, Football Australia will release the four fixtures without venues, dates and times listed - these will be confirmed in the coming days.
