FTS A-League Round 2 Preview: Melbourne City vs. Newcastle Jets
Round two of A-League action sees Melbourne City take on the Newcastle Jets. It’s the first time City will play in front of their new home crowd, which will include fans both old and new.
City showed a very promising performance last week, drawing 1-1 with Sydney FC. The Melbourne team dominated a large period of the game and created a many goal scoring opportunities. David Villa didn’t take long to impress, scoring the equalising goal only 15 minutes after coming on, with a well-placed shot from outside the box.
City will be looking to take out all 3 points this week at home, with many tipping a City win. New signing Damien Duff will be looking to link up with David Villa, who will be very much looking to extend his goal scoring count. The debut of Robert Koren also attracts interest, and will no doubt draw comparisons to former marquee Orlando Engelaar, although both players are very different.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Jets fell late to cross town rivals Central Coast in round one, conceding deep into stoppage time after a set piece opportunity and some opportune finishing from Mitchell Duke. The Jets side was bolstered by new signings Johnny Steele, Edson Montaño, and Marcos Flores (who made an appearance off the bench).
The Jets would have felt unlucky not to come away with a point, conceding so late in what was overall a tight affair. They will be looking to improve on last week’s performance, and earn their first point this season. It may be difficult though, with new-look City looking very good already, so early in the season.
Eyes on… Damien Duff. The Irishman started his A-League career with a man of the match performance last week, playing in crosses and cutbacks from the right that constantly threatened the Sydney FC defence. His ability to play such dangerous balls (with his weaker foot mind you) will make Melbourne City very dangerous this season.
Head To Head: Played: 12. Melbourne City: 4. Draw: 2. Newcastle Jets: 6.
Last Meeting: Round 22 of last season saw Newcastle tear apart the then Melbourne Heart’s slim finals hopes, with Adam Taggart giving the Jets a 1-0 win at Hunter Stadium.
Form Guide:
Melbourne City: LDLWD Newcastle Jets: LLWDL
Absentee List:
Melbourne City: Connor Chapman (glandular fever – ongoing), Jonatan Germano (2-5 weeks), Benjamin Garuccio (2-5 weeks), Stefan Mauk (returning from Young Socceroos duty).
Newcastle Jets: Adrian Madaschi (calf– 1-2 weeks), Billy Celeski (groin – 5-7 weeks), Josh Barresi (knee – season), Mitch Cooper (knee – 5-7 weeks).
Melbourne City (probable): Redmayne; Hoffman, Wielaert, Kisnorbo, Ramsay; Paartalu, Koren, Mooy; Duff, Villa, Williams.
Newcastle Jets (probable): Birighitti; Neville, Jaliens, Gallagher, Carney; Regan, Pepper, Virgili, Griffiths, Steele; Montaño.
Prediction: Melbourne City 3-1 Newcastle Jets.
FTSAUS Fact:
Melbourne City (Heart) broke their 19 game winless streak in the A-League against the Jets last season.
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