The Wanderers like playing in the Hunter, where they’ve never lost before. Here’s everything you need to know about our important clash with the Jets on Sunday.
History
Played: 11
Won: 5
Lost: 3
Drawn: 3
Team news
Three former Jets players return to the squad with Nikolai Topor-Stanley (returning from suspension), Mark Bridge (returning from injury) and Jacob Pepper (promoted) all selected. Read the full list of Ins & Outs here.
Newcastle
Although Scott Miller’s side were defeated by an in-form Perth Glory last round, the Jets are in their best vein of form this campaign with ten points from their last fifteen. It’s a fixture that Tony Popovic will have circled as a potential banana skin as the Red & Black look to stay hot on the heels of Adelaide United before the Reds come to Parramatta next Saturday.
With the Jets’ finals hopes hanging by a thread the Wanderers can expect the Novocastrians to adopt a do-or-die mentality for the 90 minutes and will need to be near their best to avoid an upset.
The Jets have been poor in the final third this season (they’ve failed to get a shot on target in three matches this campaign) but they have improved in this aspect recently with creative Brazilian attacker Leonardo pulling the strings.
If Newcastle can achieve a balance between suppressing the Wanderers in their own defensive third and finding Leonardo between the lines to spark something in front of goal, there’s every chance they can keep their slim hopes of finals football alive.
How to watch
If you can’t make it to the ground you can catch the game live on Fox Sports 505 at 5.00pm AEST or listen live on 702 ABC Sydney & ABC Local Radio NSW, Grandstand Digital & Online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-League Live.
