Both Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets are looking for their fourth win in a row. We’ll have live a live blog from 7.30pm AEDT.
Team News
Sydney remains without long-term absentee Rhyan Grant, while Terry Antonis and Corey Gameiro are also unavailable through injury.
Brazilian defender Tiago misses out through suspension, as does Pedj Bojic.
Newcastle has Kew Jaliens back from suspension, while Sam Gallaway and Michael Bridges are also eligible to play.
Sydney
The Sky Blues found themselves in serious trouble four weeks ago, but three straight wins have caused many to rethink their perception of the boys in blue.
The pressure has lifted slightly of Frank Farina’s shoulder, after many had called for his head.
Sydney FC carries big expectations, because they are one of the biggest clubs in the A-League.
Their fans expect results more than most other clubs and a win today will make their fans believe they have what it takes to go all the way this season.
Newcastle
Newcastle has had a wonderful last couple of weeks. After starting the year in a poor fashion they have won their last three including a come-from-behind win against an in-form Brisbane Roar.
Newcastle will be looking to stamp themselves as one of the teams to beat this year. A win in this fixture could push the Jets into second position.
They will have to keep control of Italian super-star Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero was the difference between the two sides last time they met.
Del Piero found the back of the net last time these two met, and also had a major hand in Sydney’s second. He will be the man Newcastle needs to stop if they are to win.
Last meeting
The opening round of A-League season saw the Newcastle slump to a 2-0 defeat away to Sydney, despite gaining a host of impressive pre-season results.
The match will be remembered for some more Del Piero magic, who weaved himself through the Jets defence to open the scoring before half time.
On 60 minutes the Italian veteran slid a inch-perfect ball through for Joel Chianese to make it 2-0 to the home team and seal all three points for his side.
Prediction
Garry van Egmond’s team are flying at the moment but face the difficult task of beating Sydney at the Allianz Stadium. Both teams have players that can make a difference in the final third.
It could come down to who performs better out of the exuberant Adam Taggart and talismanic Alessandro Del Piero, who have both been scoring or creating goals for fun.
Prediction: Newcastle Jets 2-0 Sydney FC
Jonathan Lee
Guest
In English please.
AZ_RBB
Guest
that was a genuinely excellent second half from SFC. both attacking and defensively.
Justin Thighm
Roar Guru
Great call, thanks Nick. This game was actually better than I thought it would be and both teams played very well, even when their marquees went off. Sydney can win without the great ADP. The Serbian twins were again very good, Petko solid in defence and Despo reminded me of Besart the way he muscled in on that second goal which was always going to go in. Great result first time ever SFC win 4 in a row - top 3 spot with 2nd spot still a chance if the Phoenix bounce back tomorrow. Huge game next week up the F3 against an out of form Mariners. Looking good now and working together better as a team to make the finals.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets FT This game has fizzled out after that 2nd goal. Newcastle looked stunned in the second term. Sydney move to 2nd and depending on WSW's result tomorrow could stay there. As soon as Del Piero left the park Sydney fired up. Newcastle will still be placed very well after this match. Great game of Football and thank you for tuning in.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 90+2 minute 3 minutes of stoppage time. Sydney still looking on top of this match. Newcastle never recovered from that second goal. They looked rattled Newcastle in the second half. They will have to keep their heads up, because they are still in great shape and can push to the finals.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 90th minute Sydney still looking to score and have the ball in their attacking half. Newcastle very desperate now. Burns has a rushed turn and flashes wide.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 88th minute Sydney setting up very well, Jets are starting to find their attacking force, but the rushed shot is wide. Goal attempts 11:Sydney 9:Newcastle
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 86th minute Newcastle looking rushed in attack. Offsides are becoming a habit. Newcastle need to take their time and find the right ball.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 84th minute Still intent on going long both sides, but as fatigue creeps in the quality of the play decreases. Very much a scrap at the moment. Sydney get a free kick on the edge of the box and Abbas takes the free kick, but it is a mile wide.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 82nd minute Sydney looking unthreatened at the moment. Strolling out of their own half are Sydney. Now Petkovic has a shot from a free kick, but can't get it over the wall.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 80th minute Newcastle need to show their teeth now. They need to not let Sydney walk away with this one easily. They need to put pressure on Sydney, something they have struggled to do all game. SUBSTITUTION PEPPER OFF FOR BRIDGES
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 78th minute SUBSTITUTION THOMPSON OFF FOR McFLYNN
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 76th minute Newcastles's play has been disappointing in the final third. 14,803 crowd attendance.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 74th minute SUBSTITUTION HOOLE OFF FOR VIRGILI Sydney will go to 2nd if they come away with the victory. You wouldn't have thought that after the first 4 rounds.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 72nd minute Yau uses his amazing pace to drive straight through the Newcastle defence. Takes a shot, but it goes out for a corner.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 70th minute Sydney have looked better since Del Piero's departure. Abbas uses his pace to make a strong break through the midfield, but the ball goes a stray.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 68th minute SUBSTITUTION NAUMOFF OFF FOR YAU Great game from young NAUMOFF.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 66th minute Sydney sitting deep now. Letting Newcastle play in front of them. The ball is sent in by Newcastle, but the scrap is won by Sydney.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 64th minute Sydney fans are in full voice now. They surely have this one in the bag now, but you just never know. Jets are pushing forward hard now. They haven't put their heads down.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Sydney FC 2-0 Newcastle Jets 61st minute 2nd half possession: 64% Sydney 35% Newcastle