The Jets go into this one on the back of some inconsistent form but Garry van Egmond’s side will be confident they can get the job done over a Glory team that hasn’t won in their last three outings.
The Jets go into this one on the back of some inconsistent form but Garry van Egmond’s side will be confident they can get the job done over a Glory team that hasn’t won in their last three outings.
Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory will meet in Round 13 of the 2013-14 A-League season at Hunter Stadium on Saturday January 4 at 5:30pm AEDT.
Head-to-head:
Played: 29, Wins: Jets 6, Glory 16, Draws: 7
Previous encounter:
Jets 0-0 Glory, October 20 2013
Form:
Past five matches:
Jets: LWLWL
Glory: LDLWL
The Game:
Both teams enter Saturday’s clash on the back of a loss and in need of three points as the top-six race heats up. By their own admission the Jets were out of sorts in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Adelaide United. Despite the loss they remain inside the top six in fifth spot on 18 points, level with Sydney FC. The Glory suffered a cruel end to 2013 as Central Coast Mariners star Michael McGlinchey scored in the 97th minute of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the reigning champions. The heart-breaking defeat left the Glory in ninth spot on the A-League ladder on 13 points, five adrift of the top six and on level terms with Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United.
The big issue:
Jets – Consistency. The Jets have proven they are capable of beating any side in the A-League having already defeated ladder-leaders Brisbane Roar twice this campaign, but they are yet to master the art of consistency. The Jets have gone loss-win-loss-win-loss in their past five games and must find a way to perform at their best on a more regular basis in order to be genuine title contenders.
Glory – Can the Glory bounce back from Tuesday’s heartbreak against the Mariners and where are their goals going to come from? The Glory could be forgiven for thinking the football Gods are against them this season after McGlinchey’s late goal denied them a point in Gosford, but they must find a way to regroup in order to stay in touch with the top six. However, their lack of potency in front of goal is a major concern. The Glory have managed 11 goals in 12 games this season – the second fewest in the league behind Melbourne Heart – and four of their goals came in one night against Wellington Phoenix.
The game breaker:
Adam Taggart – The talented young striker scored six goals in three games for the Jets earlier in the season but has cooled off in recent weeks. The Jets needs their 20-year-old sensation to fire, and if he does the Glory will be in big trouble.
