Change of Heart
With one of the world's richest clubs taking over the A-League's cellar dwellers, what are implications of the landmark move?
PT7M27S http://ift.tt/1mZXJxt 620 349 January 29, 2014
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AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7.30
TV: Live on Fox Sports 1, SBS2
Twitter: #MHTvSYD
Alessandro Del Piero is tackled by Robbie Wielaert of the Heart during their round six A-League match at AAMI Park. Photo: Vince Caligiuri
Radio 702 ABC Sydney
Odds: Heart $2.20, draw $3.50, Sydney FC $3.10 (Sportsbet.com.au)
FIVE TO WATCH
Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC)
Back to his best last Sunday, he looked rejuvenated after a month of indifference. If the Italian is anywhere near his best, it tilts the balance in favour of the Sky Blues.
Patrick Kisnorbo ( Heart)
A player of real quality on his day but we've not seen it enough since his return to the A-League. He'll be up against a firing Sydney attack.
Ranko Despotovic (Sydney FC)
The big Serbian is a powerhouse of a striker - and he may well be the key to Sydney's finals hopes. He's not just hitting the back of the net but dominating defenders who get in his face.
Orlando Engelaar (Heart)
Engelaar has exceptional on-field presence, as you might expect from a player with a 196cm frame. Back from a broken leg, the midfielder should get better each week.
Seb Ryall (Sydney FC)
This has been Ryall's least effective season for some time but he can turn it around. He'll start at right-back and, after scoring the best goal of his career, should be confident.
IN THE DUGOUT
John van 't Schip (Heart)
It's been a good return for van 't Schip, having lost only once since taking the reins. The Dutchman knows every game will bring scrutiny now that Manchester City are in charge and if he wants to keep his job next year, he needs to win matches such as this.
Frank Farina (Sydney FC)
All Farina asks from his players - publicly, anyway - is a consistent effort. The roller-coaster has brought extreme highs and lows this season, with the 5-0 flogging of Victory the best win of Farina's career. But he seems only ever one or two losses away from serious pressure.
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