Samuel Gleeson blogs on the Melbourne Heart for BPL.

One Derby down and many more to follow! Last week's inaugural Melbourne Derby showcased what football can bring to a town and with top-class goals in a top-class stadium filled with top-class fans, the Derby is sure to take off.

After last Friday night's performance, Heart fans are hoping the 2-1 win over rivals Melbourne Victory will kick start the season. Unfortunately, a Derby-hangover may ensure as the Heart travel across the ditch to take on the Wellington Phoenix.

The Heart has struggled to perform on the road all season and there is no tougher place to visit than Westpac Stadium. The Phoenix has not lost at the Cake Tin since October 2008, when they lost 1-0 to Brisbane Roar. Thankfully for us, Westpac are our major sponsor, so let's hope that counts for something!

Just as a sidenote, a result against the Heart will give Wellington the Australian domestic record for the most consecutive games unbeaten at a ground.

Suspension has dogged the Heart this week with Aziz Behich and Gerald Sibon both given bans following last week's Derby. The loss of striker Sibon cannot be underestimated and veteran John Aloisi will need to fill the void left by the giant Dutchman.

The defence will be bolstered by the expected returns of captain Simon Colosimo and Dean Heffernan, while Rutger Worm and Alex Terra both showed encouraging signs last week.

If there is further improvement to come from the imported duo, I expect the Heart to start cementing a spot in the top four.

A point against the Phoenix would be a good result and with a run of tough away trips to come, the Heart cannot afford to drop off now.

The new boys created history last week, let's hope they can do the same this weekend!