Sydney FC need to win to stay in touch with the top of the table while Melbourne Heart are still looking to break their winless streak this season. It should be an entertaining clash, so join in the discussion from 5.00pm AEDT as we take you through the match with live scores and updates.
The issues
Redemption is on the menu. Sydney FC were shown up in a narrow loss to Central Coast in Gosford last weekend, indicating there is still some distance between the top sides in the competition and ‘Bling FC’.
Sydney FC have shown they have become tougher to beat, and should be considered favorites today.
Have Melbourne Heart turned a corner? Although the bar wasn’t set all that high, the last two weeks that have seen fighting draws against Western Sydney and Adelaide United, might suggest so.
There’s little doubt there are still issues for the Heart, particularly in midfield, but showing signs of an attacking press and more desire to win the 50-50 ball is a positive effort to build on.
The ins and outs
Along with Alessandro del Piero, Brett Emerton and Mitchell Mallia return to an extended Sydney FC squad, from which two will be omitted.
Melbourne Heart have also announced an extended squad, with Mate Dugandzic’s return the only change to the squad.
The 90 minutes
Heart have struggled to find goals throughout the early season so far, it is hard to see that changing against what has been a resolute Sydney FC.
Farina’s men have conceded only two goals in the past month, it is hard to see them conceding here either.
Harry Kewell’s return from injury was important for the Heart, and having him in midfield behind three quick men is his best position at this stage in his career.
His classy touch on the ball is still present, whether or not he can get enough of the ball to have an impact is a question, having to contend with Nick Carle and Richard Garcia won’t be easy.
Heart have struggled for a link to their front three, often resorting to long balls, so the Heart captain’s role becomes that much greater.
Sydney’s use of Ranko Despotovic has been sublime, as the former J-League striker has given the side a focal point in attack that was missing.
Del Piero should be used behind him to make full use of them both.
The approach of John Aloisi to this game shouldn’t change from last week, where his team took it up to the Wanderers early and went compact when needed.
The prediction
Sydney FC 2-0 Melbourne Heart
Titus
Guest
"so I'll just enjoy it while I can, spend all my money and hope I'm not the one that dies.....first".....always felt like that song needed more lines.
jamesb
Guest
...................... "all my troubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay." A song dedicated to Aloisi and Kewell.
Titus
Guest
Wouldn't that be how you get in the top three?
Titus
Guest
Yesterday?
AZ_RBB
Guest
quality might have been poor this round but at least we got 3 solid crowds in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. next week should be good with the Melbourne Derby, Brisbane home game, WSW at home and ADP in Wellington.
AWOL
Guest
Awful to watch but I guess a wins a win!
AWOL
Guest
Sorry, what?
leon
Guest
Well said.
Stevo
Guest
Don't feel sorry. He's had 18months to get a team game plan together and has failed. No youth coming through and the same old same old game plan week after week even though it hasn't worked. Time to go JA.
Jack
Guest
Time to bring back kewell and emerton into Roos? There pace and workfare are right up tere
1860melbourne
Guest
Feel sorry for ALOISI. Should have collected at least a point.
Stevo
Guest
Wow, worst game since????
Zee
Roar Guru
Yewwww Up to 3rd we Go :D Vedz MOTM .. he was sensational
Jukes
Guest
Man of the match will be Janjetovic. Saved SFC's bacon.
1860melbourne
Guest
Two horrible football teams. SFC are not top 3 material but are collecting points.
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
Full-time: Sydney FC 2-1 Melbourne Heart Game over, and less said the better. Very poor from both teams for the majority of it. Until next time, Katie.
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
90+3' SFC 2-1: That was the chance for Heart there...
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
90+1' SFC 2-1: 4 minutes extra time...
Katie Lambeski
Roar Guru
89' SFC 2-1: Sydney look home...
Jukes
Guest
How is SFC winning this. I have a feeling heart will get a late draw. Last kick of the game