FTS A-League Round 4 Preview: Perth Glory vs. Newcastle Jets
Saturday’s lone A-league fixture sees Perth Glory hosting the Newcastle Jets. Both sides will be very keen to get the 3 points after respectively losing their Round 3 fixtures, so entertainment is assured.
Perth Glory have started this season in a positive fashion. Mid-week they secured a berth in the FFA Cup semi-finals through a confidence building win against the high flying Victory in extra time (4-2). This win however was much needed after going down to Adelaide United in their last A-league game. More concerning was the manner of which they lost to the Reds, for the most part apart from set pieces and one Keogh chance, they were out of sorts.
At the other end they conceded two which ensured the first defeat for the Glory this season. However before this, the Glory started well beating Phoenix away and Brisbane at home. So they will approach this fixture keen to regain that form and have every chance against the Jets.
It’s a case of new season, same old story for the Jets this season. They have only picked up a total of one point from the first few rounds. However you could argue that could be more given they largely outplayed Melbourne City in the second half of their Round 2 fixture. This has been an ongoing habit, there have been positive signs in all of their fixtures (maybe not last week).
So three competition points could very much kick start their campaign, given they have not had a home fixture yet this season. The key for this team will be performing for 90 minutes.
Eyes on:
Andy Keogh. What a start for the Irishman. So far he has been compared to Berisha with his ability to find the net. That is fair enough and he looks to be the way the Glory will find the net this season.
Head to Head:
Played: 27. Perth Glory: 15. Draw: 6. Newcastle Jets: 6.
Last Meeting:
30/3/2014 at NIB Stadium. Perth Glory 2-1 Newcastle Jets.
Form Guide:
Perth Glory: WLWWL. Newcastle Jets: DWLDL.
Absentee List:
Perth Glory: Ruben ZADKOVICH (back), Sidnei SCIOLA (calf), Chris HAROLD (thigh), Harry O’BRIEN (groin).
Newcastle Jets: Adrian MADASCHI (calf), Billy CELESKI (groin), Josh BARRESI (knee), Mitch COOPER (knee)
Probable line-ups:
Perth Glory: Vukovic, Jamieson, Thwaite (c), Djulbic, Risdon, Griffiths, Nichols, Garcia, Hersi, Keogh, Maclaren.
Newcastle Jets: Birighitti (gk), Neville, Jaliens (c), Caravella, Griffiths, Neumann, Hoole, Gallagher, Montano, Pepper, Carney.
Prediction:
Perth to record a comfortable victory. 3-1
FTSAUS FACT:
- Perth has beaten the Jets a total of 15 times (more than any other a-league opposition)
- Newcastle have only recorded one win in Perth which came way back in 2005.
