Bentleigh looked destined to make this year’s NPL Grand Final, however bottled their 3-1 lead to Avondale in extra-time to lose 4-3 last month.

The Bentleigh boss said the semi-final loss played a big part in their 1-0 FFA Cup win over Heidelberg United, who were recently crowned champions of Victoria.

The Pagkyprio have looked strong at home this year and most notably knocked Wellington Phoenix out of the cup in the Round of 32 and Anastasiadis was hopeful their inner sanctum could help them over the line again.

“You don’t really need to motivate anyone for this game, it’s just one of those things where the players know what they want,” Anastasiadis told FTBL.

“They want to go out there and perform on the national stage and show what they’re worth. I just need to instruct them on certain things tactically and apart from that it’s all in their hands.

“Once they cross the white line, they’re on their own. We’ve been together for a while now, so they know exactly what’s required. I’ll make sure they believe in themselves and they keep that belief before they get on the field tonight.”

Bentleigh were in the semi-final of the cup in the inaugural competition, however fell 3-0 to Perth Glory at home.

While the Pagkyprio skipper Jack Webster said the Reds should be fearing his side, Anastasiadis was keeping a lid on things.

“We don’t fear anyone, but we can’t assume we’re going to go out there and give Adelaide a spanking because it’s just not going to happen,” he said.

“We just have to go out there and perform to what we’re capable of and if we play our style of game and just be wary of Adelaide’s strengths.

“We were there four years ago and we were young and immature. We’re a lot more mature now in the FFA Cup and we know what to expect tonight.”