Melbourne Heart FC’s marquee man Orlando Engelaar will return from a one-match suspension and will travel to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix in Round 19.
Melbourne Heart FC’s marquee man Orlando Engelaar will return from a one-match suspension and will travel to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix in Round 19.
In just his third appearance for the Red and White, Engelaar was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Sydney FC’s Hagi Gligor in the side’s 2-1 win.
After serving a one-match suspension and subsequently missing Sunday’s win over Perth Glory at Albury’s Lavington Sports Ground, Engelaar returns to bolster Melbourne’s midfield.
Competition for places in midfield has heated up recently, with Engelaar’s return coinciding with the Jonatan Germano’s return to full fitness, and form, after two soft-tissue injury setbacks.
Germano’s performances have been admirable, while Harry Kewell and Massimo Murdocca have illustrated their class in the side’s midfield engine room.
Teenager Stefan Mauk was also rewarded with a debut starting appearance against Perth Glory – the 18-year-old’s first start for Melbourne Heart – while Nick Kalmar continues to show his potential in the midfield three when called upon, leaving Head Coach John van’t Schip virtually spoiled for choices.
Wellington, alongside Melbourne Heart, are one of the form teams of the competition and have proved a difficult opponent for the Red and White, with the most recent result a 1-0 win to the Phoenix at AAMI Park back on December 27.
Leo Bertos, Paul Ifill, Albert Riera and Louis Fenton remain on Phoenix’s injury list.
Check all of the ins and outs for both Melbourne Heart FC and Wellington Phoenix below.
Match Details
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart FC
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
Kick-off: 5:00pm local (3:00pm AEDT)
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Rule
Assistant Referee 2: Glen Lochrie
Fourth Official: Adam Kersey
TV Broadcast: 3.00pm (AEDT) Live and exclusive coverage on FOX Sports 2HD and Sky Sport 3 (New Zealand).
Radio Broadcast: 702 ABC Melbourne, Local Radio Vic, Online/A-League Live Mobile phone app
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #WELvMHT
To purchase tickets visit www.aleague.com.au/tickets
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Glen Moss (GK), 2. Manny Muscat, 3. Reece Caira, 5. Michael Boxall, 6. Josh Brindell-South, 9. Kenny Cunningham, 10. Stein Huysegems, 11. Jeremy Brockie, 12. Tyler Boyd, 14. Alex Rufer, 15. Jason Hicks, 17. Vince Lia, 18. Ben Sigmund, 20. Lewis Italiano (GK), 21. Carlos Hernandez, 22. Andrew Durante (capt), 23. Matthew Ridenton, 24. Roy Krishna.
**Two to be omitted**.
Ins: 5. Michael Boxall (returns from suspension), 9. Kenny Cunningham.(returns from suspension).
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 7.Leo Bertos (groin injury 2-3 weeks), 8. Paul Ifill (ruptured Achilles, season), 13. Albert Riera (groin injury 4-5 weeks), 16. Louis Fenton (shoulder injury, season).
Melbourne Heart FC Squad:1.Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 3.Robbie WIELAERT, 4.Orlando ENGELAAR, 6.Patrick GERHARDT, 7.Iain RAMSAY, 8.Massimo MURDOCCA, 10.Harry KEWELL (C), 11.Michael MIFSUD, 13.Jonatan GERMANO, 15.David WILLIAMS, 16.Aziz BEHICH, 17.Jason HOFFMAN, 19.Benjamin GARRUCIO, 20.Tando VELHAPI (GK), 21.Stefan MAUK, 22.Nicholas KALMAR, 23.Mate DUGANDZIC, 24.Patrick KISNORBO
***Two to be omitted***
Ins: 4.Orlando ENGELAAR (returns from suspension), 11.Michael MIFSUD (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
