FTS A-League Round 10 Preview: Perth Glory vs Newcastle Jets
With a third of the season gone, it’s still a shock to see Perth Glory leading the league. With just one loss to their name and a 100% record at home, the West Australians have surprised everyone, not least their own fans. Kenny Lowe has learnt from the mistakes of last season and his off-season acquisitions, particularly top goal-scorer Andy Keogh, have fired the Glory to their best ever start since the A-League’s inception.
Before last week’s clash with fellow high-flyers Sydney FC over east, questions were raised about the Glory. There were claims of a soft schedule (ignoring their gruelling 5 games in 18 day period in late October and early November), and that they were yet to face another title contender apart from Adelaide (a game they lost 2-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium). Any doubts over Perth’s credentials were washed away with a late, come from behind 2-1 win. Rostyn Griffiths’ header, sandwiched between highly contentious penalties for either team, saw the Glory cement their status at the top of the ladder.
At the other end of the scale, the Newcastle Jets have endured a horror start to the season. With just 4 points from a possible 27, only West Sydney sit below them on the table. Phil Stubbins has found the going tough in his debut season, new signing Jonny Steele was allowed to return home for personal reasons and this week David Carney was fined for abusing fans. There’s been little to smile about in the Hunter Valley, bar the upcoming Asian Cup, which should give their fans the chance to see some decent football whilst simultaneously giving them a break from the Jets torrid season.
Up 1-0 against Wellington last week, the Jets were unable to extend their advantage before going to sleep in a manner befitting of their recent form. Three goals in five minutes from the Phoenix silenced a shell-shocked home crowd, and continued Newcastle’s winless start to the season. Up against the league leaders, it’s going to take a herculean effort to not extend that streak this week.
Form Guide
Played: 28. Perth Glory: 16. Draw: 6. Newcastle Jets: 6.
Perth Glory: WWWDW Newcastle Jets: DLDDL
Last Meeting
Saturday November 1st at nib Stadium: Perth Glory 2-1 Newcastle Jets
Absentee List
Perth: Hersi (Hamstring, season), Sidnei (calf).
Newcastle: 3.Taylor Regan (ankle), Marcos Flores (hamstring), Billy Celeski (groin), Josh Baressi (knee), Jonny Steele (leave of absence)
Possible XI
Perth (4-1-4-1): Vukovic; Risdon, Djulbic, Thwaite, Jamieson; Griffiths; Garcia, Nichols, Marinkovic, De Silva; Keogh.
Newcastle (5-3-2): Kennedy; Neville, Gallagher, Madaschi, Jaliens, Carney; Hoole, Kantarovski, Pepper; Montano, Griffiths.
Eyes On…
Scott Jamieson: The left back has been having an excellent season with the Glory. His attacking impetus and quickness to track back in defence, have been part of the reason the Glory have enjoyed such a strong start to the season. Can count himself unlucky to not make Ange Postecoglou’s preliminary Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup.
Prediction
Given Newcastle’s atrocious record in Perth, and the fact they’re playing the best team in Australia (according to the ladder), it’s hard to see them walking away from this with anything. Another loss could well bring Phil Stubbins’ tenure as coach to an end. 2-0 Glory.
FTSAUS Fact
- Perth Glory are yet to keep a clean sheet at home this year, despite winning their opening four matches at home.
- Newcastle Jets have not won in Perth since 2005.
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