Melbourne Heart FC will look to return to the winners list when the side faces Gold Coast United in a crunch encounter at AAMI Park tonight.
Having failed to register a victory in 2012, Heart will be looking to turn its fortunes around and consolidate its place in the Hyundai A-League’s top six with the Finals Series fast approaching.
Heart’s chances have been boosted by the return of Club Captain Fred, who will take to the field in the Hyundai A-League for the first time since January 8.
The Brazilian star has been one of Heart’s most influential performers this season, playing an integral role in the side’s stellar run through November and December which saw the Red and White soar to the upper echelons of the Hyundai A-League table.
He will be joined by fellow midfield dynamo Matt Thompson in returning to the Heart match day squad, with the four-time Socceroo recovering from a sprained knee which saw him miss a fortnight.
With four goals this season, Thompson is among Heart’s leading scorers, providing added power to a Red and White attack which has failed to fire in recent weeks.
Gold Coast United meanwhile will field a youthful eleven, drawing significantly from its much laude d reserves of emerging stars.
Among the fledgling Hyundai A-League players set to feature this evening includes 17-year old Mitch Cooper, who will don the Captain’s armband on his senior debut.
Born in Vanuatu, Cooper featured in all four matches for the Australian U/17s at the recent FIFA Under 17 World Cup.
Previous Results
8 January 2012 – Gold Coast United 1 Melbourne Heart FC 1 @ Skilled Park, Robina
18 November 2011 – Gold Coast United 1 Melbourne Heart FC 2 @ Skilled Park, Robina
19 January 2011 – Melbourne Heart FC 1 Gold Coast United 1 @ AAMI Park, Melbourne
Recent Form
Heart: LDLDL
Gold Coast: LLDLL
Player to Watch
Ben Halloran – The attacking speedster has been a revelation this season, scoring twice in 17 appearances from an advanced midfield position to be one of Gold Coast’s shining lights this campaign.
Fact of the Week
Melbourne Heart FC has not scored in its last 235 minutes of Hyundai A-League action.
Squad
Melbourne Heart FC squad: 1.Clint Bolton (GK), 2.Michael Marrone, 3.Brendan Hamill, 4.Simon Colosimo, 5.Fred ©, 6.Matt Thompson, 7.Rutger Worm, 9.Maycon, 10.Wayne Srhoj, 11.Alex Terra, 13.Jonatan Germano, 15.David Williams, 19.Eli Babalj, 26.Paul Reid, 27.Craig Goodwin, 30.Sebastian Mattei (GK)
*one to be omitted*
Gold Coast United squad: 20.Jerrad Tyson (GK), 2.Josh Brillante, 4.Zac Anderson, 5.Kristian Rees, 7.Golgol Mebrahtu, 11.Jake Barker-Daish, 14.Ben Halloran, 15.Adama Traore, 17.Chris Harold, 21.Daniel Severino, 26.Ambes Yosief, 28.Daniel Bowles, 29.Mitch Bevan, 30.Brendan White (GK), 33.Mitch Cooper (c)