Adelaide United attacker, Ken Ilsø, says the Reds must be focused from the outset against APIA Leichhardt in their FFA Cup 2018 Quarter Final clash on Wednesday night.
The Reds will be determined to reach the semi-finals of the cup for a third time, though equally wary of APIA’s quality.
United delivered a convincing 3-0 win against Central Coast Mariners in the Round of 32 before labouring to a scrappy 1-0 victory versus Lions FC last month.
Meanwhile, for APIA Leichhardt this is the furthest they have gone in the competition since reaching the last 16 in 2017.
This year’s edition saw the Tigers edge Port Melbourne 1-0 before recording one of the tournament’s biggest upsets following a 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory in the Round of 16.
Ilsø stressed his side must bring the intensity from the first whistle in order to dictate the tempo of proceedings.
“It’s always difficult for a higher ranked team to come to a lower ranked team,” Ilsø explained to reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“And we know what they’ve been doing in the past like beating Melbourne Victory.
“So it’s not going to be easy but we’re going to go there for the win.”
The Danish attacker also revealed he has adapted well to his new surroundings and eager to get some more game time under his belt.
“So far it’s been good, it’s been a long pre-season,” he said.
“For me I’ve never done such a long pre-season before but I’m settling in.
“At the beginning I was a bit injured but now I’m good at full fitness and looking forward.”
However, the 31-year-old went on to admit he was still not entirely sure where he will be deployed on the field by Head Coach, Marco Kurz.
“I think it depends a little bit on when we win,” Ilsø said when questioned about whether he will play as an attacking midfielder, second striker or traditional number nine.
“So if I’m the number ten when we win then I’ll probably play there depends a little bit also against the team we’re playing as well, so we’ll see.”
FFA Cup Record
| APIA Leichhardt | Adelaide United | |
| 2014 | Did not qualify | Champions |
| 2015 | Did not qualify | Quarter finals |
| 2016 | Did not qualify | Round of 32 |
| 2017 | Round of 16 | Runners-up |
Adelaide United face APIA Leichhardt in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 26 September at Leichhardt Oval. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 505, Foxsports.com.au and the My Football Live App.
