FTS A-League Round 13 Preview: Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets
The A-League travels to Wollongong for the first time since that memorable FFA Cup night not so long ago. Sydney Fc host Newcastle Jets in a clash in which both teams will want to use to set the tone to their 2015.
Sydney Fc come into the game after holding on against Brisbane Roar midweek in a tight and if I’m being honest, dreadful contest. The sky blues are scoreless in over 270 minutes which is an ugly stat at best. However thanks to a good early start to the season, they still find themselves being the best team in NSW (position wise). The key to this game for the team will be getting the ball in the net which is not an easy task it seems without Corey Gamerio who was very much the outlet during the pre-season and early stages of the season. So after being held by Brisbane, Adelaide and Wellington in recent weeks, perhaps it is time for the likes of Janko and Smeltz to find the net. For the sky blue faithful it is very much a case of seeing this game out and hoping adequate reinforcements come in during the Asian Cup break.
As bleak as Sydney’s season is painted above, perhaps it is even tougher being a Newcastle Jets fan at the moment. The jets come into the game having lost at home by 5 goals to 2 against the resurgent Melbourne City side. They will be aiming to break the 2 game losing streak after looking so promising the week before against Adelaide United. Stubbins will be another coach hoping to bring in players in what is bound to be an active January, particularly in NSW. The Hunter based side will however come into this game quietly confident given they have actually scored a goal recently. Much of the hopes will be pinned on David Carney as he has been in good form down the right side.
Eyes on:
It’s really hard not to devote this feature of the preview to Sydney and their attacking woes. Time for some goals guys, a performance will be expected from Smeltz Janko and co as they attempt to break the drought.
Head to head:
Played: 29. Sydney Fc: 16. Draw: 7. Newcastle: 6.
Last Meeting:
22/2/2014 at Hunter Stadium. Newcastle Jets 0-2 Sydney Fc.
Form Guide:
Sydney Fc: LDLLD. Newcastle Jets: LLWLL.
Possible Line-ups:
Sydney Fc: Janjetovic, Bojic, Ryall, Petkovic, Gersbach, Triantis, Dimitrijevic, Ibini, Brosque, Janko, Smeltz.
Newcastle Jets: Kennedy, Carney, Madaschi, Neville, Hoole, Caravella, Welsh, Kantarovski, Montano, Virgilli, Griffiths.
Prediction:
Sydney Fc to win 1-0.
FTS Fact:
- Both teams haven’t won a game all year.
- Sydney Fc have won 1 and lost 2 at Win Stadium in competitive matches.