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.
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).
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jamesb
Guest
Crowd 11,377. I completely forgot the match was held in Wollongong. Should slap myself silly. If Wollongong comes in, your more then likely going to get sell outs against WSW and Syd FC.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
That's all from me tonight Roarers. Thanks for tuning in. Over and out.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Thanks britesparke. Seeking one now
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Hope you found a beverage with extra toxicity! Great crowd in Wollongong to witness the match but they may need counselling!
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Both teams in a horrible slump---both looking forward to the end of the season and it can't come soon enough for the players and the managers..
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Ben Kennedy close to the man of the match. The Jets winless run continues and Sydney FC record their 7th draw of the season. Thoughts Roarers?
John Davidson
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Jets get a last free kick but it leads to nothing. That's the game folks. 0-0 in Wollongong. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'93 A final corner for Sydney FC but Petkovic's shot is well, well wide. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'93 Janko gets in another header but Kennedy takes it. The keeper has had a good game. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'92 Cross to Janko but he drags his header wide. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'90 Four minutes of injury time. Jets with a free kick in Sydney FC's half. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'89 Ibini goes down on the edge of the box, potential penalty, but waved away. Probably the right call. Play on. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'86 Still rarely no closer to a goal.... Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'83 The Jets have no more subs. Oh dear. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'82 Jeronimo down hurt. Could have done his shoulder, looks bad. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'81 Andrew Hoole gets a yellow. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'80 Great save Kennedy on Ibini there, that shot looked goal-bound. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'79 Still pretty dire stuff in Wollongong. Carney is penalised for a foul. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'77 Speak of the devil. Naumoff on for Grant, that's an attacking change. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'76 Montano fires a quick shot over the bar. Newcastle going for it with some attacking subs. No movement on the Sydney FC bench yet. Sydney FC 0 Newcastle 0