The magic of the cup returns in the coming week for Melbourne City, as we head to South Australia to take on NPL Champions Campbelltown City at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Wednesday 31 July. Ahead of the knockout clash, we take a look at our opponents.

National Premier Leagues (NPL) Champions

Newly appointed Head Coach Erick Mombaerts faces a tricky test in his first competitive game in charge of Melbourne City, taking on current South Australian NPL leaders Campbelltown City in the FFA Cup Round of 32.

Wednesday night’s clash will be Campbelltown’s first appearance in the Round of 32, after the side booked their place in the national competition after being crowned Australian National Premier Leagues Champions in 2018.

The reigning Australian NPL Champions booked a place in the NPL Finals after being crowned South Australian NPL Champions and Premiers in 2018.

Campbelltown’s family affair

It’s a real family affair at Campbelltown, with Head Coach and former Socceroo Joe Mullen coaching a side that includes his son and two nephews.

Daniel Mullen, Joe’s son, is a former Socceroo who has played at five different Hyundai A-League clubs, while Matthew Mullen (former Adelaide United midfielder) and Alex Mullen (former Sydney FC midfielder) are Joe’s two nephews.

Players to watch

The side from Newton boasts a number of talented players, including former Melbourne City and Adelaide United attacker Marc Marino and former Sydney FC and Adelaide defender Iain Fyfe.

Fyfe, the inspirational skipper of the NPL side, will lead from the back on Wednesday night, utilising his wealth of experience.

While Campbelltown coach, Joe Mullen, signalled Japanese attacker Yohei Matsumoto as a player to look out for and one who can “electrify crowds”, in an interview with ABC News.

The run of form continues

The current Australian NPL Champions, South Australian NPL Champions and South Australian Premiers have carried last season’s form into the new year, currently sitting six-points clear atop the NPL South Australia league ladder.

Mullen’s side have scored 46 goals, conceding 25, with a goal difference of 21, which is 20 goals greater than second placed Adelaide Blue Eagles. Sitting on 37 points from 18 rounds, Campbelltown have scored 46 goals and conceded 25, showcasing their potent attacking third.

With just three losses this season, Campbelltown will be eager to continue their winning momentum.

Enemy territory

Our Round of 32 clash is set to be a tough one, taking on a strong Campbelltown City outfit in front of their home fans at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.

Based in Newton, South Australia, Campbelltown – with the support of their home fans behind them – will look to make Wednesday night’s trip as tough as possible for the travelling A-League side.

City take on Campbelltown City on Wednesday 31 July, kick-off 7:30pm.