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Newcastle Jets host Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon, and there will be two very different strategies going into this game.
Sydney FC have already secured their semi-final spot and the Newcastle Jets having no chance of making the finals.
Although they both have nothing to play for, Newcastle will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about after a terrible season.
Meanwhile, Sydney will hope none of their players get injured as they focus on the finals and qualifying for the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League.
Ernie Merrick will probably let Newcastle play free-flowing attacking football that fans love to see, whereas Steve Corica will set up Sydney FC’s structure as always.
Newcastle Jets squad
Ernie Merrick will be delighted to welcome back Nigel Boogaard, Ronald Vargas and Matt Ridenton to the Newcastle Jets squad.
Captain Boogaard has yet again been a consistent performer this season, and he is a great asset for Newcastle against Sydney’s attacking prowess.
Vargas most likely won’t return to the starting squad after the club announced their intent to release him in the next transfer window, along with Nick Cowburn, Jair, Daniel Georgievski, Kwabena Appiah and Jake Adelson.
It is sad for the Newcastle fans to see Georgievski go, as he’s been a versatile contributor over a number of positions across two seasons.
Ernie Merrick will probably name a similar squad to the one that thrashed the Brisbane Roar, although Nigel Boogaard should come in for Lachlan Jackson.
Lewis Italiano deserves another go in goals and Angus Thurgate should be retained as defensive midfielder.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Predicted starting line-up
GK: Lewis Italiano
LB: Ivan Vujica
CB: Nikolai Topor-Stanley
CB: Nigel Boogaard
RB: John Koutroumbis
CDM: Steven Ugarkovic
CDM: Angus Thurgate
LM: Joey Champness
CAM: Kaine Sheppard
RM: Dimitri Petratos
ST: Roy O’Donovan
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Sydney FC squad
Sydney FC are playing it safe.
They are giving Siem de Jong and Anthony Caceres a break, making sure everyone is fully fit for the finals.
Alex Brosque and Michael Zullo remain out with a heel problem and a hamstring problem respectively, but they will be ready for the finals.
Milos Ninkovic did not play in their ACL clash mid-week, so he will most likely start.
Jacob Tratt will take the place of Alex Wilkinson to give him a rest, and Joel King could be given his starting debut in place of Paulo Retre.
It is also likely that Cameron Devlin will make his starting debut with Mitch Austin.
I would rather Luke Ivanovic up front, but Austin has to be given a chance before Sydney decide whether to give him a contract, which will give Reza Ghoochannejhad a break.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Predicted starting line-up
GK: Andrew Redmayne
LB: Joel King
CB: Aaron Calver
CB: Jacob Tratt
RB: Rhyan Grant
CDM: Brandon O’Neill
CDM: Joshua Brillante
LAM: Milos Ninkovic
RAM: Cameron Devlin
ST: Mitch Austin
ST: Adam Le Fondre
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Prediction
If Sydney decides to put their foot on the gas, they have a great chance to win.
Mitch Austin and Adam Le Fondre will be looking to get in behind the Jets defence, and if they are utilised correctly, they can cause a headache for Ernie Merrick.
But if Newcastle’s front four continue their great form, then it could be a really exciting attacking game.
My prediction is Sydney 2-1.
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