In-form Adelaide host struggling Newcastle on Sunday evening.
Newcastle’s struggles on the road
As Newcastle sit tied for second-last spot on the ladder with just four wins this season, it is hardly a surprise the NSW outfit has managed a mere two wins on the road. However, travelling south, it is the side’s terrible scoring form that will have Jets fans and coaching staff alike the most concerned – after all, you cannot win without finding the back of the net. From Newcastle’s past four away games, they have failed to score a single goal, and against their opposition this weekend they are yet to register a goal since their first encounter last season. Given a fortnight ago they managed to end their near record-breaking drought, Newcastle will be hoping Sunday’s clash will finally bring joy on the road.
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Adelaide in red-hot form
After a disastrous start to the season, Adelaide United have pulled off a miraculous comeback, not only surging into the top six, but doing so in style. Since beating Perth for their first win of the season back in round eight, United have registered just two scoreless outings and picked up an incredible 19 points, while in their last five matches alone they have netted 13 goals. Growing with confidence each week, the side is certainly one of, if not the team to beat coming into the final third of the season, and with such impressive form, it is easy to see why. Although they are yet to face premiership favourites Melbourne City and reigning Champions Melbourne Victory in that period, they have proven they have the quality to do so, having downed fellow top six sides Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC, and holding league leaders Western Sydney to a 0-0 draw.
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The final 30 minutes of play
With the past three outings between these two sides producing just one goal, recent history would indicate Sunday afternoon’s fixture could go down to the wire – in which case the final 30 minutes of the clash will be crucial. Both Adelaide and Newcastle see the majority of the action in their fixtures taking place in the final third of the game, with both scoring 61% of goals in that period, while United ship 38% of their goals over the same time frame, and Newcastle 44%. With that in mind, Coopers Stadium attendees could be set for a manic finish to round 17, but given the visitors’ woeful for and against record (-12), it looks likely the home crowd will be leaving the happier.
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