Last-placed Melbourne Heart will be desperate for a win when they host Sydney FC at AAMI Park this evening. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEDT.
The pressure is growing on Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi as the Melbourne side has managed just two points from its first five games this year.
They will gain some confidence from knowing that their last win came against the side they are playing this week – the victory was a 3-1 defeat of the Sky Blues in February at AAMI Park.
Another interesting stat for this game is that Sydney FC has never won at AAMI Park; in the seven matches they have played at the Melbourne venue they have managed just five draws and two losses.
Anything less than the three points here and the pressure will go back on Frank Farina, Sydney managed to beat the Melbourne Victory in a classic ‘Big Blue’ last week where all five goals were scored in the first 36 minutes.
The problem with Sydney FC this year is that they continue to leak goals; their only clean sheet for the year was in Round 1 against Newcastle who had their own scoring problems.
In the five matches they have played so far they have leaked a total of nine goals, which is the most in the league.
This could be an advantage for the Heart who have managed to create enough chances to win games, they have just fail to finish them.
Last week they had 19 shots on goal which was six more than what the Wanderers had, however just two of those shots were on target and 12 of the shots were from outside the box.
The game changer – Alessandro Del Piero
It had to be him didn’t it? The Italian maestro is the centre piece of the sky blue outfit and at the spritely age of 39 he doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.
He drew criticism during the week for going to ground too easy after he was fouled 12 times last week, however as we have learnt before clever players can draw fouls as they please.
His class and skill will shine against a team that has really failed to hurt their opposition this year.
Prediction
Both teams want this game, however languishing at the bottom of the ladder isn’t something that the Heart need.
Expect them to find their identity in this game against a team that has traditionally struggled at AAMI Park.
Heart 2-1 Sydney
Mani
Guest
Need a new coach! Aloisi's time is up!
leon
Guest
This so much. Inexcusable for an attacking player; touch of a donkey.
Stevo
Guest
FFS we made SFC look like championship winning material - and don't under estimate how hard that is to do. Us HeartFC fans can't take much more of this. Hitting the bottle now.
Zee
Roar Guru
DONT DISS MY BAMBI !!!
Titus
Guest
Thanks for that, I thought it said Aloisious and had no idea what it meant.
Titus
Guest
+2
Griffo
Roar Guru
They had numerous attempts where the ball was almost ping ponging around the box in the second half, but in saying that Sydney were packing the box and Heart just seem to hope for the best it seemed as if the fight to create was lost to them. A lot of talk of Lady Luck deserting Heart but they will need to come together as a group and work rather than hope it doesn't get any worse before it gets better.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Haha and we all know when Abbas is able to run unopposed there's something wrong ;)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Can't believe it!!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Hopefully it's soon!
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Ill give you that! :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Agree Alessandro even as a Sydney FC fan I can't defend him. Abbas' ball managed to go the whole way across the box and not one Heart player got close!
Assistant Orange Peeler
Guest
When Harry Kewell gets back, maybe then they'll have that creativity that they are currently lacking.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time Heart 0 - 2 Sydney FC Well thanks to everyone who has joined in the conversation tonight. You certainly make the game much more interesting and it is always great to hear everyone's opinions, you are what make the Roar. :) This weekend will only get better so don't forget to check in for all your football and sporting needs right here at the Roar!
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Sorry but chianese was absolutely turgid tonight. His first touch was as poor as ever, he ran mindlessly and the only reason he scored because behich's positioning was shocking.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Great point mate was certainly the difference tonight.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
What hurts is the amount of chances they get and don't get any goals! It was a really bizarre 2nd half, Sydney stopped playing and the Heart still couldn't score.
Football United
Guest
Rubbish theres hardly anyone behind the goals, munn is having a laugh
1860melbourne
Guest
Love watching the possession football that Heart play. Much better than my team Victory.Problem is no creativity in the middle and the final third they are hopeless. Get someone like a Bresciano in the middle and a top four side in my opinion.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I think the interview was good, he acknowledged the fans. Really not a good situation for anyone to be in!