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It’s an all-NSW contest between the Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers. Join The Roar from 5.00pm AEDT for live scores and blog coverage of this match between two sides desperate to move up the ladder.
Love might be in the air for couples this Valentines day, but there will be no love-lost between these two combatants as they seek to improve on what has been a difficult campaign for a variety of reasons.
The chance of playing finals football has all but gone for both teams, who have been anchored at the bottom of the A-League for the entire campaign, but they still have plenty to play for.
There may be no promotion and relegation in the A-League, but a bottom two clash means a chance to take a small step away from the dreaded wooden spoon. With the PFA rebuking both clubs for their approach to moving on unwanted players during the week, the scene is set for a feisty encounter.
The Jets’ recent recruit Daniel Mullen would certainly love to emulate Aaron Mooy in sending a match winning message to the club that let him go, while Sam Gallaway will be hoping to get the opportunity to turn the tables back on the Jets.
With identical win/loss records over the last six games, the form guide indicates a close tussle. The Wanderers’ last start victory over the Phoenix has raised their spirits and has them viewing the nine clubs above them as potential targets as we move towards the crunch point of the competition.
How the Jets can win:
The Jets went within minutes of pulling off a morale-boosting draw with Brisbane last start, and have the advantage of playing at home. The fact that their fans have stuck by them through all the turmoil should give them a lift during the inevitable tough periods in matches.
The Wanderers could be a Bridge too far for a battling Newcastle team, but with every week an audition for future contracts, you expect some motivated performances. Having hit the woodwork more than any other team this season, the Jets will be hoping that Lady Luck, who doesn’t seem to have been able to find Hunter Stadium this season, will be finally allowed through the turnstiles.
If the Jets are to win, much of the burden will fall on Andrew Hoole, who has been one of the shining lights thus far this season. His energetic runs out wide could unlock the Wanderers, who at times this season have been guilty of not transitioning into defence quickly enough when they lose possession. Certainly Hoole will be hoping to make a big impact with his home fans before moving on at the end of the season.
How the Wanderers can win:
It’s amazing what confidence can do. So often just one victory can completely change a team’s fortunes; the passes get crisper, the defence becomes tighter, and goal scoring opportunities are converted.
Yes it was ugly, but the Wanderers finally managed to open their account for the season with a 2-nil win over the high-flying Phoenix last weekend. A tough win like that can be more beneficial than a free-flowing 5-nil romp.
On paper the Wanderers should be too strong for the Jets but as fans we know paper isn’t everything. Mid-season Japanese imports Yusuke Tanaka and Yojiro Takahagi have slotted in seamlessly, adding confidence to the side.
Arguably the most important addition to the Wanderers lineup may prove to be striker Brendan Santalab, whose consistency in front of goal has been sorely missed as he recuperated from his dislocated shoulder. His late goal to confirm victory over the Phoenix last weekend may prove to be a defining moment in the Wanderers’ season.
Likely Result:
The Wanderers have more attacking flair than the Jets, and that should be enough to get the job done, provided they can convert their chances in front of a parochial Jets crowd.
Wanderers 1-nil in what looms as a game that will be played largely through the midfield.
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