The Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City will take to the field for the final time in 2014 desperate for a confidence-boosting win as the league starts winding down for the mid-season break. Join The Roar from 5.00pm AEDT for our live scores and coverage of this Round 13 fixture.
The new “City Inc” era at Melbourne is still very much in the consolidation stage, but John Van’t Schip’s charges have hit a purple patch of form and will be looking for a positive performance to round out 2014.
Meanwhile the Jets have struggled at home for much of this campaign, much to the frustration of their loyal supporters and will be out to reward their fans with a morale-boosting win.
All in all the stage is set for an entertaining game of football.
How the Jets can win:
The Jets are frustrated about conceding a late goal last-start against the Victory, and will be out to take revenge on the other Melbourne team! Their recent form isn’t flash-hot having won only one of their last six games and they find themselves sitting in 9th place on the table.
On paper the Jets appear to have the right blend of youth and experience. Veterans such as Joel Griffiths and Zenon Caravella will need to continue to play a key role in guiding the younger players around the park.
The return of captain Kew Jaliens (suspension), and Marco Flores (injury) will be a boost to the side.
At times this season the Jets seemed to have lacked confidence in the attacking third, which seems strange for a side that boasts quite a few attacking talents.
There best chance to win this game is to take it to City early – if they sit back City are more than capable of countering and this could very easily change the momentum of the game.
How City can win:
In recent weeks Melbourne City have experienced something of a resurgence. It might not always have been pretty, but they are getting results and have surged up to 6th spot on the A-League ladder. They drew 1-all last-start with the high-flying Perth Glory and have won two of their last six matches.
A key player for City will be Mate Dugandzic who has been in great form. The speedster has been causing havoc and his cross to Erik Paartalu in the Melbourne derby was pure class.
Connor Chapman faces his former club, and he has been solid for City since making his club debut several weeks ago.
City will back themselves to score against the Jets, and will undoubtedly enter the game with an attacking mindset.
Their quick-counter attacking has been a hallmark of their performances in recent weeks, and it could be something they employ against the Jets with great effect.
An early goal from City could blow this game wide open.
Likely Result:
The last time these two sides met in October they played out a one-all draw. The Jets narrowly shade City in the head-to-head fixtures, but I think City will just be too strong for the home side – especially with a place in the top 6 very much on the line.
City 2-1
James Anderson
Roar Guru
What a game. Not sure why Jeronimo isn't starting, he's a player who continues to put the ball in the back of the net despite limited playing time. Hope Stubbins looks into some defensive options during the transfer window, Madaschi and Welsh were terrible, and Jaliens was just as bad when he came on.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining The Roar tonight, there's more A-League action later this evening when Brisbane take on Sydney FC in around 40 minutes time. Enjoy your evening.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Both teams have now finished their commitments for 2014, and attention will quickly switch to Round 14 before the A-League breaks for the Asian Cup. Melbourne City travel to Gosford to take on the Mariners on Sunday, while the Jets will take on Sydney FC in Wollongong on Saturday.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
It was a highly entertaining match with both sides entertaining in attack, and at times woeful in defence. City consolidate their spot in the top 6, while the Jets will be left scratching their heads about who they can fix their defensive frailties.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Melbourne City celebrate John Van't Schip's birthday in style with their first win at Hunter stadium. Robert Koren netted a hat-trick with Duff and Mooy also getting on the score-sheet. For the Jets Jeronimo and Montano netted in the second half.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
FULLTIME That's it City 5 Jets 2
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
There will 3 minutes of time added on
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
87' The game is starting to fizzle out as the players are understandably getting tired. It's been pretty warm in Newcastle today. City 5 Jets 2
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
83' Williams has a shot from distance, and Kennedy parries it away. City 5 Jets 2
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
80' Jeronimo fires off a beautiful strike forcing Velaphi into a brilliant save. The 'keeper is furious with his defenders. City 5 Jets 2
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
79' GOAL NEWCASTLE Jeronimo gets his name on the score-sheet as he slots one home after a pin-point cross from Hoole. Van't Schip won't like that....his defence just went to sleep City 5 Jets 2
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
75' Koren earns an early mark for his efforts. He's off with Ramsay coming on. Paartalu picks up a yellow. City 5 Jets 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
73' GOAL CITY It's a hat-trick for Koren great team goal as Koren steams on a cut-back from Dugandzic to finish expertly. It's the second hat-trick in the club's history behind David Williams.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
70' The Jets pull one back Jeronimo nods a Carney lob onto Montano who heads it home past a stranded Velaphi. It's his third of the season. City 4 Jets 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
69' This match could yet be a record equalling one for both teams. The Jets biggest loss is 5-0, while City's biggest win is 5-0 City 4 Jets 0
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
68' Mate Dugandzic goes down in the box, but doesn't appeal for a penalty - appears he lost his balance.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
66' Sub Jets The Jets make their final change with Scott Neville off and Jacob Pepper on.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
64' Sub for City. James Browne's attempts t score against his former club are over for the day, replaced by Mate Dugandzic
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
63'. GOAL - City organise a 3 on 3, and Duff puts Koren through on goal and he nails his shop past a diving Ben Kennedy.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
61' Madaschi is replaced by Jeronimo Neumann for Jets and Kennedy immediately called on to save as the play moves from end to end.