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Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Heart will finish off what has been an exciting A-League round at Hunter Stadium today at 5.00pm AEDT. The Roar will have live scores and commentary throughout the 90 minutes.
The issues
One side is flagging, whilst the other is steadily rising.
Gary van Egmond’s team has scored some impressive results against Central Coast, Adelaide and Brisbane over the past month, but consistency is needed from them if they are going to challenge and defeat the top sides.
Melbourne Heart have an air of crisis about them as pressure on John Aloisi mounts from dissatisfied fans.
The ins and outs
Both sides have named extended squads for this crucial match, with two to be omitted on gameday.
Connor Chapman and Kew Jaliens are all unavailable due to injury and suspension, while Taylor Regan, James Brown and Sam Gallaway are included in the squad.
Melbourne Heart announced Harry Kewell will again miss, while Patrick Kisnorbo and Andrea Migliorini will come back in to this squad after the missing most of this month with injury.
The players to watch
Jets
Adam Taggart: He was the difference maker last week with a brace against the Roar last weekend, bring up his third goal of the season.
He is an undeniable talent in front of goal, and can give the Heart defence some trouble today.
Heart
Michael Mifsud: Needs better service, but needs to take his chances better.
The Heart have only scored two goals this season, and the ‘Maltese Messi’ needs to help change that.
The Game
The Heart’s slow, dull and lifeless performance last week doesn’t bode well at all this week, this alone should see the Jets as clear favourites for today.
Van Egmond looks like he finally has found a way to get the results by playing to the strengths of what he has in the squad, with Newcastle playing much quicker than what they have been earlier this season.
Melbourne Heart can’t afford to be lethargic or slow, and will have to attack immediately.
The game will likely see matching 4-3-3s, Heart can’t afford to be pushed back to their penalty area. Keeping a clean sheet is also vital for the red and white.
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