Melbourne Heart FC’s National Youth League side will look to continue its hot streak of form this afternoon against Brisbane Roar at Goodwin Park
Melbourne Heart FC’s National Youth League side will look to continue its hot streak of form this afternoon against Brisbane Roar at Goodwin Park.
Heart are unbeaten in three matches, grinding out a valuable 1-1 draw with 10 men in Adelaide three weeks ago, before producing a commanding display to knock off a strong Newcastle Jets outfit 3-0.
Last week the side produced the performance of the season, thrashing Sydney FC 5-1 to move to fourth on the ladder.
But coach Joe Palatsides’ will have to contend with a weakened side after losing three players to the senior team and a number of others to injury.
Jeremy Walker, pictured above playing for the John Aloisi’s side against Perth Glory last night, and Sam Mitchinson, who both started for the senior team in the past two matches are unavailable for Youth selection.
Last night’s match-winner Golgol Mebrahtu, who debuted for the senior side after a number of games with the Youth League team, is also out of Palatsides’ side.
Striker Zac Walker has been ruled out through injury, stretching the squad to its limits.
Palatsides has called on James Karvelis, James Papadimitriou, Quinn McDonald and Cameron Edwards as replacements.
“For us, we’re in the middle of a very tough draw, where we have three away games,” Palatsides said.
“After a great win in Sydney under trying conditions, we now travel to Brisbane to face the Roar without six players.
“It will be another tough challenge, but I’m sure we will put in another performance where we give our opponents a run for their money.”
Palatsides praised the performances of his charges so far this season, including captain Josh Groenewald, Nick Epifano, Paolo Retre, Alistair Bray and Stefan Mauk.
Irish defender Steven Gray is likely to slot into central defence again.
Melbourne Heart FC NYL squad:
James KARVELIS, Will ABBOTT, James PAPADIMITRIOU, Josh GROENEWALD, Quinn MCDONALD, Andrew MULLETT, Cameron EDWARDS, Alaistair BRAY, Stefan Mauk, Chris MAYNARD, Ersin KAYA, Steven GRAY, Nick EPIFANO, Paolo RETRE
Match Details
National Youth League
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Heart FC
Kick-off: 2.30pm (local)
Goodwin Park
