Stakes high in A-League battle

Tonight's A-League fixture pits the struggling Melbourne Heart against Sydney FC and it's a match both clubs are desperate to get something from.

Sydney's captain Alessandro Del Piero. (AAP)

Sydney FC scored a morale boosting victory last week against Melbourne Victory to relieve the growing pressure on coach Frank Farina. 

The spotlight has now increased on Heart boss John Aloisi with his club bottom of the ladder and without a win all season. 

Both sides have injury and suspension problems and after Heart lost to Western Sydney Wanderers last week,  it's a match of huge importance for the Heart Coach.