Westfield FFA Cup preview

Sydney United v FNQ Heat

#SUvFNQ

Venue: Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor, Sydney

KO: 7.30pm

Sydney United will be hoping to relive the club’s glory days on the national stage when they host FNQ FC Heat.

After winning the NSW NPL 1 title last season, Mark Rudan’s Sydney United have found the going tough this campaign but head into this clash in strong form.

The former NSL powerhouse has lost just once in their last six matches in the NSW top flight, including the weekend’s 0-0 draw with fellow Westfield FFA Cup side Blacktown City.

And they possess a squad with some Hyundai A-League experience.

Mirjan Pavlovic (Wellington Phoenix), Joel Chianese (Sydney FC), Kaz Patafta (Newcastle Jets/Melbourne Victory) and Alec Urosevski (Sydney FC) give United some experience and quality to be feared.

They won’t have it easy though against a Heat side that is also hitting their straps at the right time.

FNQ are unbeaten in their last eight matches and have surged up the Queensland NPL ladder to sit fifth.

Former Phoenix midfielder Alex Smith has been pivotal in their rise, while the acquisition of Zenon Caravella from Newcastle Jets also gives them another threat in what should be a cracking tie with a real State of Origin feel to it.