Melbourne Heart FC will look to close the gap to Hyundai A-League leaders Brisbane Roar to just two points when it faces Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
Perth Glory v Melbourne Heart FC
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-Off: 10pm AEDT
Melbourne Heart FC will look to close the gap to Hyundai A-League leaders Brisbane Roar to just two points when it faces Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
While Heart doesn-t boast fond memories of the venue, having recorded a pair of hard fought draws against the Glory, the Red and White will seek to continue its positive run of form ahead of the Melbourne Derby next week.
However, following a 1-2 loss to Perth at AAMI Park earlier in the season, Heart is certain to face a difficult task in surmounting the Glory, with striker Shane Smeltz an ever present danger.
Heart will also be without the services of Santa Hat wearing hero Jonatan Germano, who suffered a hamstring strain and may miss a fortnight.
Wayne Srhoj has been called up as his replacement, while Maycon has been omitted in favour of fellow Brazilian Alex Terra, who cemented his place in Hyundai A-League history with a cracking overhead strike in Perth during January.
Recent Results
16 October 2011 – Melbourne Heart FC 1 Perth Glory 2 @ AAMI Park
15 January 2011 – Perth Glory 1 Melbourne Heart FC 1 @ nib Stadium
3 November 2010 – Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Heart FC 0 @ nib Stadium
Danger Man
Shane Smeltz – Arguably the most lethal marksman in the Hyundai A-League, the Kiwi-s double against Heart in week two of the competition ultimately proved to be the difference, forcing the Red and White rear guard to remain vigilant this time around.
Fact of the Week
Perth have won 3 out of 4 home games this season, whereas the Heart have only lost 2 out of 6 away games this season
Squad
Perth Glory squad: 1.Danny Vukovic (gk), 2.Josh Mitchell, 3.Bas van den Brink, 4.Billy Mehmet, 5.Steve Pantelidis, 7.Jacob Burns (c), 8.Adam Hughes, 9.Shane Smeltz, 10.Liam Miller, 13.Travis Dodd 14.Steven McGarry 15.Tommy Amphlett, 17.Todd Howarth, 18.Jesse Makarounas, 19, Josh Risdon, 21.Mile Sterjovski, 22.Adam Taggart 25.Trent McClenahan, 27.Andrezinho, 30.Lewis Italiano (gk)
*five to be omitted*
Melbourne Heart Squad: 1.Clint Bolton (gk), 2.Michael Marrone, 3.Brendan Hamill, 4.Simon Colosimo, 5.Fred (C), 6.Matt Thompson, 7.Rutger Worm, 9.Maycon, 10.Wayne Srhoj, 11.Alex Terra, 15.David Williams, 16.Aziz Behich, 17.Jason Hoffman, 18.Curtis Good, 19.Eli Babalj, 23.Mate Dugandzic, 25.Adrian Madaschi, 30.Sebastian Mattei (gk)
*three to be omitted*
