Newcastle Jets will be chasing a bit of Hyundai A-League history when they take on in-form Western Sydney Wanderers at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday (kick off 5.35pm AEDT).
Having won both previous clashes with the Wanderers this season, the Jets could complete a season clean sweep of fixtures between the two clubs for the first time ever.
But that would appear a huge task for Ernie Merrick’s side given the Wanderers’ recent form.
Western Sydney have tasted defeat just once in their last six games and will draw level on points with the Jets with a win in the Hunter.
The Wanderers’ good form has come off the back of a goal-glut to Spanish striker Oriol Riera, whose double in the 3-0 drubbing of Melbourne City last weekend means he has scored five goals in his last five outings.
READ: How to watch Hyundai A-League Round 24
THE RUN HOME: Predicting the Hyundai A-League’s final four rounds
FROM THE BASEMENT TO THE FINALS: Golec loving new lease of life in Wellington
Mid-season recruit Mitchell Duke has also been prominent for the Wanderers, and he was on the score sheet within 21 seconds of coming off the bench in the last meeting between these two, which ended in a 5-1 win to Newcastle.
Merrick conceded his side’s finals hopes are over after their 4-1 defeat in Wellington last Saturday but they’ll still be motivated to end the campaign as strong as possible.
And a strong start against the travelling Wanderers is likely to be the Jets’ best hope of taking all three points.
Newcastle haven’t conceded a first-half goal in any of their last six games at home, a run that dates back to December 2018.
Key Opta stats
- Newcastle Jets are undefeated in their last five games against Western Sydney Wanderers in the Hyundai A-League (W3, D2), including a 5-1 triumph in their most recent meeting.
- The Wanderers have lost only one of their last six Hyundai A-League games (W4, D1), two of those wins coming away from home.
- Newcastle Jets (387) and Western Sydney Wanderers (362) have registered the most total shots (inc. blocks) in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season.
Ins and outs
Both squads will be announced on Thursday.
How to watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch this clash, which kicks off at 5.35pm (AEDT) on Saturday. You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Tickets
CLICK HERE to see the Jets and Wanderers do battle at McDonald Jones Stadium.
