Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip has named an extended 18-man squad to take on the Victory in the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip has named an extended 18-man squad to take on the Victory in the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Following an impressive 2-1 road win over Perth Glory last week, van ‘t Schip has kept faith which made the trip across the Nullabor to record Heart-s first ever win over the West Australian outfit.
However, with defender Simon Colosimo, and forwards David Williams and Maycon also named, van ‘t Schip certainly won-t be short on options should he decide to make a change ahead of the Derby.
Colosimo, who last featured in Heart-s 2-1 triumph over Gold Coast United, has struggled to force his way back into the match day squad after sustaining a knee injury, while the competition for places up front have forced Maycon and Williams out of the reckoning.
With the front three of Eli Babalj, Mate Dugandzic and Rutger Worm demonstrating significant potential, fast emerging as one of the most exciting attacking lines in the league, van ‘t Schip has found the combination of mobility and technique which is perfectly suited to his preferred formation.
Jonatan Germano, Nick Kalmar and Kliment Taseski are all unavailable for selection through injury, while Kamal Ibrahim and Kristian Sarkies were overlooked for selection.
Rising star Adrian Zahra will continue his campaign to build match fitness through the National Youth League, which is on hiatus until January 7.
Melbourne Heart FC 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*
In: Simon Colosimo, David Williams, Maycon (all promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Jonatan Germano (hamstring – one week), Nick Kalmar (back – four weeks), Kliment Taseski (foot fracture – long term)
Melbourne Victory squad: 2. Matthew Foschini, 3. Fabio, 4. Petar Franjic, 6. Leigh Broxham, 7. Matthew Kemp, 8. Grant Brebner, 9. Jean Carlos Solorzano, 10. Archie Thompson, 11. Marco Rojas, 12. Rodrigo Vargas, 13. Diogo Ferreira, 15. Tom Pondeljak, 16.Carlos Hernandez, 17, Jimmy Jeggo, 18. Danny Allsopp, 19. Isaka Cernak , 20. Lawrence Thomas (GK), 21. Ante Covic (GK), 22. Harry Kewell, 23. Adrian Leijer (c)
*five to be omitted*
In: 12. Rodrigo Vargas (promoted)
Out: 14. Billy Celeski (suspended)
Unavailable: 1.Tando Velaphi (stress fracture).
