After enjoying their best month of their 2010/11 Hyundai A-League campaign, defending champions Sydney FC head to AAMI Park for the first time this season looking to continue their recent run of solid form when they take on the Heart on Saturday night (8:15pm kick-off).
After enjoying their best month of their 2010/11 Hyundai A-League campaign, defending champions Sydney FC head to AAMI Park for the first time this season looking to continue their recent run of solid form when they take on the Heart on Saturday night (8:15pm kick-off).
In the past four weeks the Sky Blues have accumulated ten out of a possible 15 points with three wins, a draw and one loss and now head south for yet another crucial fixture.
Sydney FC has played every other A-League team so far this season, some even twice, but is yet to face the Melbourne Heart. The Heart sit four points ahead of the Sky Blues on the ladder however have played 17 matches to Sydney FC-s 15.
In terms of ladder positions, the match is a crucial as they come as the Heart will be looking to cement their spot in the top six while the Sky Blues are aiming to narrow the gap between themselves and the teams just points above them.
The match also marks a special occasion for skipper Terry McFlynn who is set to play his 110th Hyundai A-League match for Sydney FC, which would make him the club’s leading player in terms of Hyundai A-League appearances, putting him ahead of former teammate Clint Bolton (109 appearances for Sydney FC).
“We still have the same target we set before the season. It is the first time ever we will play Melbourne Heart. They have a couple of former Sydney FC players so it will be an exciting and interesting game,” Lavicka said.
“We have clear intentions to play well and get the result we need on Saturday. We-ve analysed the Heart so we know they have experienced players, very fast players but most important thing is for us to focus on our play.”
In a massive blow for the Sky Blues, midfielder Nicky Carle will miss the next month of A-League competition with a back injury. Carle was expected to return to the fold within days but has again been sidelined for an extended period.
“It-s bad news for us and Nicky. He needs several more weeks. No one expected this but we need to solve it and take time to get him ready,” Lavicka said.
The Sky Blues celebrated Alex Brosque-s 100th game for the club with a 2-0 win over the Perth Glory last round despite missing leading goal scorer Bruno Cazarine (back) and defender Scott Jamieson (flu).
Defender Stephan Keller also came off after the 30 minute mark after suffering from dizziness and blurred vision after an earlier head clash. That trio will be given as much time as needed to prove their fitness.
Melbourne Heart vs. Sydney FC
Saturday, 27 November 2010
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 8:15pm
Referee: Alan Milliner
Assistant referees: Hakan Anaz and Shaun Evans
Fourth official: Lucien Laverdure
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 3, FS3 HD & Sky Sport 1 (NZ). Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 774 ABC (Melbourne), SEN Digital. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Melbourne Heart: 1. Clint BOLTON, 2. Michael MARRONE, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP, 9. Gerald SIBON, 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 11. Alex TERRA, 12. Peter ZOIS, 15. John ALOISI, 16. Aziz BEHICH, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 20. Josip SKOKO, 21. Kliment TASESKI, 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Dean HEFFERNAN, 25. Adrian ZAHRA
*two to be omitted*
In: Simon COLOSIMO (returns from injury), John ALOISI (returns from rest), Dean HEFFERNAN (returns from illness)
Out: Matt THOMPSON (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: Rutger WORM (groin 2-3 weeks), Eli BABALJ (hip and thigh 6-8 weeks), Kamal IBRAHIM (quad 2-4 weeks), Ante TOMIC (hip 3-4 weeks)
Sydney FC: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 2. Sebastian RYALL, 3. Stephan KELLER, 5. Hayden FOXE, 6. Hirofumi MORIYASU, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. Bruno CAZARINE, 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN (c), 16. Terry ANTONIS, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 21. Scott JAMIESON, 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN, 23. Rhyan GRANT, 24. Dimitri PETRATOS
*three to be omitted
In: Kofi DANNING (promoted), Brendan GAN (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicky Carle (Back – 4 Weeks)
