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Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets: A-League live blog, scores

3rd January, 2015
Time: 7.30 (AEDT)
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Referee:
TV: Fox Sports
Betting: Sydney FC $1.78, Draw $3.80, Newcastle $4.35
Marc Janko won't be back at Sydney FC next season - who will replace him? (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Guru
3rd January, 2015
74

Sydney FC meet Newcastle Jets with both sides in dire need of a win. Join The Roar from 7.30pm (AEDT) for live scores and all the action from WIN Stadium.

Wollongong is the unlikely location for this clash between the two NSW clubs. The Sky Blues come into this game in the middle of a bad patch with three losses in their past four matches. Sydney FC are low on confidence and fresh bodies, and a much-needed three points would give them the lift they need.

The Sky Blues have slipped down to fifth spot on the ladder, with Melbourne City just two points below and climbing fast.

Sydney FC have had a horrible injury count to contend with but this encounter is must-win if they are stay in touch with the top teams.

For Newcastle, it’s a chance to save a bit of face and show they care. The Jets were crushed 5-2 by Melbourne City at home a few days ago, after going down 1-0 to Melbourne Victory away.

They have won just one game all season, a 2-1 triumph over a tired Adelaide United, a sorry return from 13 matches. There was hope that the win against the Reds would help turn around their season, but it appears to have been a mirage.

The suspension of Kew Jaliens hasn’t helped matters, nor the absence of Marcos Flores from the starting XI. Phil Stubbins continues to tinker with his team and formation, trying to find the right combination, but so far he has no luck. Newcastle has been woeful at the back and unable to hold the opposition out.

The Jets have decided to hold a mid-season review, after their terrible start, but to save this campaign right now they need to find a way to beat Sydney FC.

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The Sky Blues may be low on fit troops, and missing the likes of Socceroo midfielder Terry Antonis, but they still have enough firepower for Newcastle to worry about. Marc Janko and veteran striker Shane Smeltz up front can cause the Hunter side plenty of problems.

These two teams have yet to play each other this season but Sydney FC took the honours 4-2 in a friendly in August last year and have won the past three A-League fixtures against their northern neighbours. They go into this game as heavy favourites.

Graham Arnold could have taken the Jets job if he wanted it but he turned it down and is now at the Sky Blues helm.

After an impressive start Sydney FC has been struggling of late, three points here could put them back on track before the break for the Asian Cup. Join The Roar for coverage from Wollongong from 7.30pm (AEDT).

Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson

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