The Reds head to Newcastle feeling confident of adding to their two wins on the bounce as the Jets reel from the loss of a key player.
Adelaide seem to be back on track after what can only be described as a nightmare start to the Guillermo Amor regime in the South Australian capital. Under the shadow of the immensely likable and relatively successful Josep Gombau, Amor struggled to get the Reds off the ground. That has now been consigned to history as the Reds have won their last two and they will fancy their chances of coming to Newcastle and making it three in a row.
Newcastle has had the week from hell. Fresh from being hammered 4-0 by an Aaron Mooy-inspired Melbourne City at home, the Jets now have to deal with the news that South Korean left-back Lee Ki-je has played his final game for the club. He is currently in Korea undergoing a medical with K-League side Ulsan Hyundai in a further blow to a club that has not won in its past six matches. Newcastle’s already fragile depth will be tested even further by a revitalised Adelaide on Friday night.
Key Battle – Nick Cowburn vs Craig Goodwin/Sergio Cirio
It is not often a relative A-League novice goes down in a key on-field battle in any match, but Cowburn will have his work cut out this week. The local product from the Jets youth setup appears to be the man to fill in the sizeable hole left by his soon-to-be former teammate Lee. He could not face a tougher start in what is likely to be his new position, at least in the short-term.
Goodwin offers the Reds great pace in the wide areas, as well as pinpoint delivery from the wings. Goodwin, being a former Jet, would love nothing more than ruining the Christmas of those who used to sing his praises. He is also deadly from set pieces, meaning the young Newcastle full-back Cowburn will not be able to commit any unnecessary fouls in and around the Jets penalty box.
Cirio will get his chance at some stage during the match as he takes his turn on the Jets left side. He offers a completely different threat to Goodwin. The Spaniard is one of the smartest players in the competition, with his speed of thought and movement crucial to how the Reds operate in the final third. His ability to read the game and make well timed runs in off his flank will mean the young Jets man will have his hands full for the entire 90 minutes come 7.40 pm Friday night.
Team News
As mentioned earlier, Korean Lee is out for the Jets after Ulsan met the buyout clause (believed to be $350,000) in his contract. Cowburn appears to be the man who will be entrusted with his position, creating what will be a youthful pairing on the left-hand side of the Jets back four alongside Lachlan Jackson. The rest of the Jets side looks to be similar to the one that succumbed to City on Sunday afternoon. The fact that the Jets will not be making many changes to the side reflects the lack of depth that they currently possess in their squad.
Adelaide has no real reason to change a winning lineup as they have just started to build momentum again after their troubled start to the season. Key man Marcelo Carrusca came in last week and played a crucial role in scoring the winning penalty in the home win over Sydney and is likely to start again.
Head-to-Head
Adelaide United lead the overall ledger between these two sides, with 13 wins compared to the Jets’ 10. The sides have also played out nine draws. Adelaide also have fond memories of Newcastle, having scored the A-League’s first ever goal at the venue, courtesy of Carl Veart.
Previous Meeting
Adelaide and the Jets faced off a month ago at Hindmarsh Stadium and despite the Reds absolutely battering the Jets, Newcastle managed to escape the city of churches with a 0-0 draw. Adelaide was so dominant that the Jets did not register a shot on target over the 90 minutes. Unfortunately for them, their former keeper Mark Birighitti put in one on the best goalkeeping performances seen this season for Newcastle.
Prediction
Newcastle has not won in six matches and due to the unrest this week it is hard to see that changing here. While they are in front of Adelaide on the A-League ladder, it would appear that the two teams’ seasons are on a completely different trajectory. If Adelaide can come to Newcastle and claim the three points they will be equal with the Jets on 12 points and their early season problems will appear a distant memory. It looks to be too good an opportunity for Amor and his Reds to pass up.
Newcastle Jets 1 Adelaide United 2
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