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The Newcastle Jets haven’t played finals football since 2010, and while this year is no different, they can still have a say in how the top six will finish when they host Sydney FC in the penultimate round of the A-League.
Join The Roar from 7.45pm (AEST) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
Phil Stubbins’ side recorded just their third win of the season when they surprised the Victory in Melbourne last week.
Perhaps the unlikeliest of victories, Stubbins, despite naming Mitch Cooper in an extended squad may well be tempted to field an unchanged line-up to take on the Sky Blues.
While the win may not save the Jets from the worst ever season, it does provide them with some momentum leading into their final home game of the season. How that momentum stacks up against a side that they’ve only beaten six times in 32 meetings remains to be seen but they will be confident after pushing a red-hot Sydney side all the way the last time these two sides met.
That night, Marc Janko capitalised on a rare mistake from defender Lee Ki-Je to hand Sydney a deserved one-nil victory. That mistake against Sydney aside, the South Korean has been a shining light in a poor season for the Jets and has made the right-back position his own.
Lee Ki-Je’s battle with Bernie Ibini’s was a highlight the last time these two sides met and with the Sydney FC winger recently recapturing the form that lead to a Socceroo call-up earlier in the season we can expect more fireworks on the flanks tonight.
While the Jets are struggling to stave off the wooden spoon, the visitors need to win to stay in touch with league leaders Melbourne Victory who opened up a three point lead after beating the Roar mid-week.
Following last week’s victory on the road in Perth, Sydney remain undefeated away from home this season and are favourites to continue their streak against a lack lustre Jets outfit.
Sydney will be boosted by the return of classy Senegalese midfielder Mickael Tavares and Shane Smeltz’s return from suspension. Tavares, has recovered from the groin injury that kept him out against the Glory and is expected to come straight in for Rhyan Grant in Sydney’s midfield. The versatile Grant will probably drop to the bench.
The last time the Jets beat Sydney was in December 2012 and despite pushing Sydney all they way in both previous fixtures this season, Sydney are expected to extend their unbeaten run against the Jets who have lacked cohesion all season. However with pride on the line, it won’t be one-way traffic and the Jets, playing for their futures, will take it the high-flying Sky Blues.
Join The Roar from 7.45pm (AEST) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
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