Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory have both experienced torrid seasons and will be desperate to keep their slim finals chances alive at Hunter Stadium on Sunday evening.
Here are some of the key talking points ahead of the encounter:
Perth’s away form
Despite dominating this fixture in recent seasons (going without a loss in their last 11 and winning all of their previous five), Glory won’t travel to Newcastle high on confidence. All of Perth’s three wins this season have come in Western Australia, with the side conceding an average of two goals on the road. Although the Glory are undoubtedly Newcastle’s ‘bogey’ side, the tides could well turn for the Jets, should they capitalise on their revitalised home defence (conceding just two in their last three games at Hunter Stadium) and see their forwards pick up from where they left off after last weekend’s drought-breaking goal spree.
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Newcastle’s forwards aren’t in the clear
Although last Sunday’s clash did see the Jets end their goal drought, Scott Miller’s men went within 40 minutes of the league’s longest run without a goal, and seemed inspired by the looming record more than necessarily being a class above their previous performances. This weekend Newcastle will need to back up their round 15 performance, replacing their disconnection and wayward shots with unity and a hunger to succeed. Given Perth’s youthful defence this could be the Jets best opportunity to grab a rare win over the West Australian outfit, but only if the side approach the game with the right resolve.
Importance of David Carney
After a less than perfect relationship with Newcastle’s coaching staff last season, David Carney has bounced back to prove just how vital he is to the team under Miller. Last round Carney was crucial as he led by example to push the Jets in the right direction, even after Ben Kantarovski’s red card. The veteran often steps up to the plate and proves a source of much needed quality and guidance, which when combined with clinical outings from the Jets’ front men can be the necessary difference between a win and a loss. If he can back up from last week’s performance and be the focal point of the Jets attack, and transitions from defence, Newcastle will trouble Perth.
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