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Aus Cup Preview: Rivals to face off in Big Blue semi-final showdown

Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo says he has a fully fit squad to pick from ahead of Wednesday night’s blockbuster Australia Cup semi-final clash with Melbourne Victory.

The Sky Blues host Victory at Jubilee Oval, with the winner securing a spot in the 2026 Australia Cup Final against either South Melbourne FC or Queensland Lions FC.

New signing James Overy is fit and available to make his Sydney FC debut after joining on a three-year deal from Manchester United, whilst fellow off-season signings Oriola Sunday and Jake Hollman could also be in line to feature.

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Sunday is yet to play for the Sky Blues since joining the club on a season-long loan deal from Japanese side RB Omiya.

Meanwhile Hollman returns to the club on a three-year deal after leaving English League Two outfit Walsall FC.

“We’ve actually got a full sort of team to pick from, which is good,” Sydney FC boss Patrick Kisnorbo revealed when speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“Again, it makes my my job a bit difficult, but that’s what you want. You want a team full of competition, so it’s great.

“I think we’ll go on today’s training, and I’ll sort of make a decision after that or, you know, probably tomorrow (Wednesday).

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“But look, we’re fortunate enough to you know bring some plays in that you know need some minutes, and you know that could be involved tomorrow, but we’ll have to wait and see until today’s training is finished.”

Kisnorbo’s side edged NPL 2 outfit SD Raiders 1-0 in the quarter-final to tee up their semi-final showdown with Victory and have been in good form so far in this year’s competition, scoring 10 goals whilst conceding just three.

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“It’s a long pre-season and we’re fortunate enough to be in a position where we have a competitive game tomorrow night. The boys have put themselves in a position for that, so yeah, we’re looking forward to to the challenge ahead.

“These games have a lot of history between both teams and both sets of fans and clubs. So we know the importance of the game, but we’re looking forward to it.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 19: Harrison Sawyer of Victory celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the Australia Cup Quarterfinal match between APIA Leichhardt and Melbourne Victory FC at Leichhardt Oval, on August 19, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

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Melbourne Victory head back to New South Wales for the semi-finals having dispatched NPL powerhouse APIA Leichhardt 1-0 in the previous round.

Off-season recruit Harrison Sawyer has been in good form for Giovanni Savarese’s side, scoring the winner against APIA in the quarter-finals in Extra Time whilst he also scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers in the previous round in Extra Time, with Victory defeating their A-League counterparts via a penalty shootout.

Savarese’s men kicked off their 2026 Australia Cup campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Tasmanian side Kingborough Lions in the Round of 32.

New defensive signing Philipp Ziereis has impressed in all three of the club’s Australia Cup games so far this campaign whilst former Premier League defender and Wales international Tom Lockyer could also feature, having joined the club earlier in pre-season.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 19: Philipp Ziereis of Victory is challenged by Jordan Segreto of APIA Leichhardt FC during the Australia Cup Quarterfinal match between APIA Leichhardt and Melbourne Victory FC at Leichhardt Oval, on August 19, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
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