FTS A-League Round 13 Preview: Newcastle Jets vs. Melbourne City

Newcastle arrive back home after leaving the tour bus firmly in front of the Melbourne Victory goal just a few nights ago.  The master plan from Phil Stubbins almost worked until Gui Finkler decided enough was enough and scored an 85^th minute rocket.  Newcastle went to Melbourne with a defensive plan to steal a point and the heist almost came off. Newcastle faces the other team from Melbourne in City but should have a more attacking mindset.

City is coming off sharing a point from runaway leaders Perth Glory in a match many expected them to win, particularly off the back of a derby win.  Some average defending after an unnecessary free kick was given away from captain Patrick Kisnorbo proved costly for John Van’t Schip’s men and it was more a case of two points dropped rather than 1 point earned.  City will be looking for a fruitful NSW road trip before the entire squad head to CFG headquarters for a 12 day training camp.

Newcastle fans will be looking for a spark to their campaign before the Asian Cup break with good games against City and away to the depleted Sydney FC.  Expect some better performances from David Carney and Joel Griffiths over the next week, these two players hold the key for the Jets and their season, and have been far from impressive in the first 12 games.

Marcos Flores could be the missing piece of the Jets puzzle when he eventually becomes match fit.  Fans are becoming frustrating with the continual absence of the superstar.  Flores has the ability to turn the Jets from a team struggling at the bottom of the table into a team capable of making the final six.

This clash offers plenty of questions and possibilities.  With Perth, Adelaide, Victory and Wellington running away with the top four spots only two spots remain.  Teams in the bottom six could do with a few points just before Australia host the leading 16 football teams in Asia.

Head to Head:

Played: 13 Newcastle: 6 Draws: 3 Melbourne City: 4

Last meeting:

19 October 2014 (AAMI Park) Melbourne City 1 drew with Newcastle 1

David Villa (remember him) rescued a point as his 87^th minute equalizer cancelled out Edson Montano’s debut Newcastle goal.

Form Guide:

Newcastle: DLLWL

Melbourne City: LLWWD

Standings:

Newcastle 9^th (7 points)

Melbourne City 6^th (13 points)

Newcastle (Probable): 

Kennedy, Madaschi, Carney, Neville, Hoole, Caravella, Pepper, Welsh, Kantarovski, Montano, Griffiths  

Melbourne City (Probable): 

Velaphi, Wielaert, Chapman, Kisnorbo, Garrucio, Paartalu, Mooy, Melling, Dugandzic, Koren, Williams.

Absentee List:

Newcastle:

Josh Barresi (knee – season), Billy Celeski (groin – 2-3 weeks)

Melbourne City:

Massimo Murdocca (ankle – 1-2 weeks), Jonathan Germano (hamstring 1-2 weeks), Jason Hoffman (back 2-3 weeks)

Eyes on: 

Patrick Kisnorbo

Is age catching up with the City skipper?  Last week Andy Keogh ran him ragged, resulting in the giving away of cheap free kicks, defensive niggling from Kisnorbo and the former Leeds champ looking sluggish.  Kisnorbo still has plenty to offer Melbourne City but he needs to remain disciplined against Newcastle and stop believing he is the key man for every situation.  Kisnorbo will be a better asset to City when he realizes he has teammates around him capable of fulfilling roles he was performing comfortably a few seasons ago.  Play smarter, not harder Paddy and you’ll be a better player in the bigger City picture.

Prediction: 

Newcastle 1 – Melbourne City 2

FTS Fact:

Newcastle has never lost to Heart/City at home with 5 wins from 6 games and one draw.

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