The Melbourne Heart‘s winning streak came to an end last week and they need to resume winning ways against the Wellington Phoenix if they wish to keep their A-League finals hopes alive. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4.00pm AEDT.
It was a 5-nil victory against the Phoenix away from home several weeks back that allowed the Heart to believe they could achieve the impossible.
Now, Melbourne’s clash against Wellington could decide whether or not the Heart will play in the finals.
After a terrific winning run that saw them claim big scalps such as the Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar, the Heart were finally defeated by Newcastle last week, in what could prove a costly loss.
With the race toward the top six very tight, neither the Heart or Phoenix possess much room for error from here on in.
The Phoenix could only muster a 1-1 draw at home to Perth Glory last week and also need a win to keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.
The performances of Kenny Cunningham and David Williams could dictate which side emerges victorious tonight.
Cunningham looked the player most likely to spark Wellington to life last week, and managed to do so by scoring the equaliser before nearly setting up Stein Huysegems for the match-winner.
Williams on the other hand has been in superb touch for the Heart in recent weeks but was fairly quiet against Newcastle, and the Heart’s attack suffered as a result.
If Williams is kept quiet, the Phoenix will go a long way to denting a Melbourne attack that caused them havoc the last time they met.
Prediction
With plenty on the line today, both teams should be expected to show up with strong form in a bid to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Heart at home though have been irresistible in recent weeks and should be favoured to get the job done in front of their fans.
Heart to win 3-1
Catnap
Guest
To think this referee is going to represent australia at the worl cup is frightening
Anthony Karakai
Roar Rookie
I wanted to see Heart win. A draw is at least better than where they were a few months ago, but it would have been better to see them win this one.
Mark
Guest
pretty hard to play on the counter when every time you do you get fouled and the ref doesn't book anyone... where is the a league getting its officials from - the sunday pub league?
Alan
Roar Guru
A game full of questionable decisions overshadows a pretty entertaining game between the Phoenix and Heart. The Phoenix I believe were the better team with Krishna in particular causing huge havoc against the Heart by scoring a goal and setting up Boyd's effort. Wellington though went down a man after Sigmund was sent off. The Heart equalised through a penalty that Williams converted but both teams failed to break the dead lock. Finals hopes take a dive for both teams. Thank you for your company tonight and join me later for United - Liverpool in the Premier League! Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Stevo
Guest
Craziest game this year :)
Alan
Roar Guru
Not likely Stevo.... FULLTIME Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Phoenix with a freekick now in a fairly dangerous area. What a moment this could be.... Wellington against all the odds...Brockie with the delivery and Boxall's header just wide! Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Stevo
Guest
Aguero moment?
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE HEART - Mathematically both teams are still in with a shot of making the finals but when you start speaking like that, chances are very slim for both sides. Williams combines with a team-mate and is through on goal but Moss with a great save!!! Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Phoenix now win possession and go on the counter attack through Watson. Heart through regroup as Watson's strike is blocked! Durante now clears. Ramsey offside and Wellington can clear. Not a good result for either side here. Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Kisnorbo does well to win back possession here. Kewell with a good delivery to Williams. Havoc in the area but Wellington get the goal kick. Durante with a good challenge there. Heart doing all the attacking now. Corner for the Heart. Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Durante now with a yellow card for dissent. Gee Kewell didn't get a yellow card for dissent earlier in the game! Literally nothing going Wellington's way today. Hoffman with a shot but his effort goes well wide Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Time becoming an enemy for both teams here. Draw pretty much useless. Williams shoots but his effort sails over the bar. Attacking chances have dried up for Wellington. Ramsey crosses in but Moss claims possession. Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Heart on the attack. Ramsey' shot saved easily by Moss. Phoenix struggling to generate attacking chances now. Their effort though superb today. Watson off for Cunningham who has been fairly quite today Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Foul called here and Heart's goal disallowed. Williams penalised for a high foot. Hmmm..... thoughts? Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Just under 6,000 have attended today's match at AAMI Park. Heart running out of time to save their season. Kewell with a hit from distance but the ball wide of the target. Dugandzic off for Ramsey who can offer something out wide. Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Mauk comes on for Germano for the Heart. Phoenix still holding on well despite being a man down. Phoenix win the the freekick. Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - For all the drama thus far, we are still deadlocked here. Draw is a useless result for either side, particularly for the Heart. Need a win. Heart now on the attack. Low cross flashes across the face of goal here... Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Heart win back possession here through Kalmar who then shoots low but his effort is wide of the post. Heart 2 Phoenix 2
Jack
Guest
Kewell is a joke always falls over will neve play for roos again