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It’s the battle of the bluest collar as the A-League’s two traditional working-class clubs, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers look to set up a run of form into the finals. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEDT.
Newcastle can climb to fifth with a win whereas Western Sydney are chasing down Brisbane, and they could stumble into third if results do not go in their favour.
Newcastle have picked up one point from their last five matches, however if they win tonight they will miraculously be in the top six.
Western Sydney’s form is more or less a how to guide to frustrate a coach, which is fitting, because the Wanderers are always frustrating other coaches.
The Squadron will be moving to a different area this week. Not because they’re looking to avoid trouble with the Red and Black Bloc which was incorrectly reported in the media, but because it was a pre-planned decision as they attempt to make the most of the stadium.
This game is also the return of ex-hero Joel Griffiths for the Jets, who returns from his lengthy retirement fundraiser in China.
He has a record of a goal in every other game for the Jets, so expect him to score this week or next, or not for four weeks when he’ll score a double.
The Jets will hope that Griffiths can explain to Emile Heskey how to score, and for him not to give Adam Taggart his agent’s number.
The Wanderers have’t fielded the same starting XI two games in a row this season, so expect to not see the same team that played last week.
Mathew Spiranovic played in holding midfield last week, which worked well, and playing three central defenders away from home sounds like something that the Wanderers would do.
I’d expect that to be the case, but then again, Tony Popovic probably has something else planned.
The Jet’s are in shocking form, even the Melbourne Heart are in better nick, and the fact that they’re playing second will mean they will probably be concentrating on not losing.
The Wanderers on the other hand are looking for some consistency, and will be happy take a point away from home.
I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams played fairly negative football – I can’t see the Jet’s besting Western Sydney for 90 minutes, nor can I see Western Sydney attacking with much intent.
Bore draw. Tommy Juric to miss a penalty.
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