Albion Park coach Paul Carter has thrown the pressure on Corrimal ahead of Sunday's Fraternity Club Cup final, labeling the Rangers clear favourites to claim the preseason decider at Memorial Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes after the Rangers put the Illawarra Premier League on notice last weekend with a 3-0 demolition of title favourites Wollongong Olympic to book their place in the final.
"They are 100% the favourites," Carter said.
"They have gone through the competition unscathed and we got beaten by Woonona in one of our round games.
"Then last week they were really impressive against Olympic.
"They are a good side, with a fair few players to watch. I am sure they will be buzzing from last weekend."
Rangers win over Olympic was made all the more impressive by the fact they played the entire second half without striker Van Elia, who was sent off for an off ball incident.
Corrimal co-coach Jason Davkovski admitted his troops would take an abundance of confidence from what he felt was an outstanding display against Olympic.
But he wasn't buying into chat that it would be such a clear cut case in the decider against the White Eagles.
"It's only preseason and the White Eagles are a very well-drilled side," he said.
"If it goes like last week, it should be a good game.
"I've watched them play a couple of times and their back line is very experienced, with Chris Nathaniel and Kyle Senior.
"Robbie Del Banco dictates play well for them in mid-field so we need to keep a close him down. That could go along way to us winning the game."
Rangers come into the final unbeaten, with a penalty shootout win over Helensburgh Thistle the closest they've come to defeat in the preseason.
Park qualified for the decider after surviving a tense semi-final with District League contenders Bellambi.
A late goal from Joel Beattie helped the White Eagles prevail 4-3 in a tense elimination game.
It has put them in a position to lift the first piece of silverware of the year on the eve of new Illawarra Premier League season.
"We obviously want to win now we are here but it is all about putting the final touches on before the start of the season," Carter said.
"There is still guys trying to nail down positions because we've got a really good squad.
"We're expected a tough game.
"They break very quickly so we will need to limit their space so they can't damage us in that way.
"We need to make sure we nullify that and keep our structure right.
"From an attacking sense, I am not too worried. We have proven we can score goals."
Meanwhile, Wollongong United were forced to postpone their opening round match of the FFA Cup against Fairfield Bulls after thunderstorms hammered the region on Thursday night.
Fernhill Foxes stormed into the third round of the competition with a 7-1 win over Bankstown RSL Dragons.