​Can the injury-hit Jets build on their impressive opening round display against never-say-die Brisbane Roar at Newcastle’s newly named McDonald Jones stadium?
MATCH DETAILS
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar FC
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-Off: 5:00PM (Local) (5:00PM (AEDT))
Referee: Peter Green
Assistant Referee 1: Lance Greenshields
Assistant Referee 2: Kearney Robinson
Fourth Official: Kurt Ams
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on Fox Sports 505 from 5.00pm (AEDT) and Sky Sport 2 (New Zealand)
Radio Broadcast: 1233 ABC Newcastle, 612 ABC Brisbane, ABC Local Radio Qld, Grandstand Digital, Online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-league Live., Crocmedia A-League Live (www.facebook.com/A-
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #NEWvBRI
To purchase tickets visit www.aleague.com.au
Newcastle Jets squad: 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Andrew HOOLE, 8.Mateo POLJAK, 10.Wayne BROWN, 11.Labinot HALITI, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Mitch COOPER, 15.Andrew NABBOUT, 16.Nick COWBURN, 19.Morten NORDSTRAND, 20.Jack DUNCAN (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Devante CLUT, 30.Pierce CLARK (gk)
Ins: 8.Mateo POLJAK (returns from injury), 14.Mitch COOPER (promoted), 19.Morten NORDSTRAND (returns from injury)
Outs: 2.Daniel MULLEN (knee – indefinite), 3.Jason HOFFMAN (calf – 1-2 weeks), 9.Aleksandr KOKKO (achilles – 1-2 weeks)
Unavailable: 1.Ben KENNEDY (gk) (achilles – season), 9.Aleksandr KOKKO (achilles – 1-2 weeks), 21.Daniel ALESSI (knee – season)
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Michael THEO (gk), 3.Luke DEVERE, 4.Daniel BOWLES, 5.Corey BROWN, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Jamie MACLAREN, 10.Brett HOLMAN, 11.Tommy OAR, 13.Jade NORTH (c), 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Thomas BROICH, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 28.Brandon BORRELLO, 33.Joey KATEBIAN, 37.Mark RODIC
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS (promoted), 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO (promoted), 37.Mark RODIC (promoted)
Outs: 17.Matt MCKAY (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: 23.Dimitri PETRATOS (ankle – 1 week), 24.Connor O’TOOLE (International duty – 3 weeks)
BLUFFER’S GUIDE
The Jets kicked off a new era under Mark Jones with an impressive performance to earn a 1-1 draw with defending champions Adelaide United on the opening weekend.
While unable to hang on for the three points, Â Jones looks to have a solid platform to build on and will be urging his players to maintain the intensity against a star-studded Roar outfit.
Their cause has not been helped by long-term injuries to key players Daniel Mullen (knee) and Ben Kennedy (achilles), while Striker Aleksandr Kokko (achilles) and Jason Hoffman (calf) are also out.
Brisbane will travel to Newcastle full of confidence after Luke DeVere’s late, late goal snatched a point at home to Melbourne Victory.
Marquee man Brett Holman looked sprightly on his A-League debut with some nice touches in a 60-minute performance and already looks right at home in Roar’s midfield.
The Roar will be without inspirational skipper Matt McKay following a red card in Round 1 while livewire attacker Dimitri Petratos is still a couple of weeks away with an ankle complaint.
But John Aloisi’s side will fancy their chances against a Jets side they haven’t lost to in six attempts, including their last three visits to the Hunter.
OPTA DATA
Hyundai A-League stats preview: Round 2
ROUTE TO GOAL
The Jets scored a league-low 28 goals last season but look to have a renewed attacking impetus in 2016/17.
Wingers Andrew Hoole and Andrew Nabbout were electric against the Reds, while English playmaker Wayne Brown looks to be a superb pick up.
Danish striker Morten Nordstrand returns to lead the line in place of the injured Aleksandr Kokko, while impressive youngster Devante Clut is another option in the front third after an eye-catching cameo in Round 1.
For the Roar, striker Jamie Maclaren looms as the main man for the visitors and already looks to be forming a solid relationship with marquee Brett Holman.
Holman oozes class and could prove to be one of the buys of the season with his ability to drift between the lines and pick a pass a joy to watch against Victory.
Caltex Socceroos flyer Tommy Oar looked sharp off the bench last weekend and looks primed to start in the front third, with Brandon Borrello or Thomas Broich a chance to drop back.
WHO’S BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK?
Ante Covic. The former Jets keeper has been heavily linked to a return to his old club as a replacement for Ben Kennedy, who is out for the rest of the season with a ruptured achilles.
FORM LINES
The Jets were impressive against Adelaide and probably should have gained maximum points  if not for some wastefulness in front of goal in the 1-1 draw.Â
Brisbane weren’t quite at their fluent best against the Victory but showed encouraging signs with new recruits Brett Holman and Thomas Kristensen looking particularly comfortable in midfield. They also drew 1-1.Â
PREDICTION
Newcastle Jets 2 Brisbane Roar 2
