East Sydney vs The Heart of Melbourne FC

Last week Sydney fought back to equalise twice against Perth away, showing enough spirit to suggest their season may not be over just yet. Speaking of spirit Heart had plenty themselves, not only battling against a rejuvenated Roar but also an incompetent referee in Miliner who almost handed the away team the win. The Heart fans who turned up are to be commended for their ferocious support last game, the 6,000 and growing core sounded like 60,000!

This Week

Michael Marrone is off to China to the disappointment of many of the Heart faithful. I wish he could have played at least one more home game so we could have acknowledged his contribution and given him a proper send off! Luckily for us we have a ready-made replacement in Zac Walker who I feel has actually shown more than Michael himself this season.

Bar Marrone, Grella, Dugandzic and Williams, just about all the squad has been named to select from this week. Walker will come in for the departing Marrone and someone will come in for Williams who has a dodgy one week ban. It’s been later revealed that even if Williams hadn’t been given a red he would’ve missed because of an injury he picked up from Theo’s reckless tackle during the first goal.

I’m not sure on the final makeup of the side, and like others I’ve been baffled with the bench choices in recent times. Aloisi has chosen three attacking players most weeks so it’s very lucky that none of the defenders have needed to come off the ground. I would have expected Vrankovic or Grey to be rotated and included on the bench for team balance on occasions.

Sydney are set to welcome back Yau, Bosschaart, Fabio and Adam Griffiths from injury but still can’t play new signing in striker Joel Griffiths (Adam’s brother). Even though he signed on 17 December, due to the Asian transfer period not opening until 14 January.

Prediction: Heart 2 – Sydney 0

Sydney has never defeated Heart, the record after seven meetings stands at two wins to the Heart and five draws. Sydney might be playing for their season, but Heart have more to play for themselves, to show that they can be actual contenders this year. A win here will help this cause and keep the wins and momentum in 2013 going. Heart hasn’t actually won away from home in over a year, that game was 4-0 against Sydney when Heart got to second position on the ladder.

Finally in very important news for our proud club I’d like to encourage you all to get on the fan initiated #OneMelburnian campaign. Get this out to all Heart fans or potential ones. Sign them up. We’re aiming for 9,000 members by years end.

@MelbourneHeart are offering a terrific flexible three game membership.

Now there’s no longer any excuse not to become a member! I’ll be getting my family on board and if not I’ll be disowning them for my Heart family!

Don’t think DO, and Go Heart!

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