Newcastle Jets may have struggled to score in the early rounds of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season but history suggests that could all change in Round 5.
The Jets travel to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday and will buoyed by a look down memory lane.
Elsewhere in Round 5, Adelaide United are on the brink of club history and Brisbane Roar will be out to continue an impressive home record.
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And the signs do not look good for Central Coast Mariners as they visit the high-flying Perth Glory.
All that and more is in your stats preview for Hyundai A-League Round 5!
Jets set for take-off on the road?
A lot has been made of Newcastle Jets’ start to the season, in particular their struggles in front of goal.
Last season’s runners-up remain winless, picking up two draws and two losses and scoring only three times in the process.
However, history suggests they will most certainly turn a corner when they travel to Spotless Stadium to face Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Jets have an excellent away record in New South Wales, having scored 18 times in their last five fixtures.
Despite only winning two of those games, Jets fans may finally see an end to the relative goal drought come Friday night.
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Newcastle Jets, Friday 7:50pm AEDT
Reds could create club history
Adelaide United have started the season in impressive fashion, having claimed the 2018 FFA Cup and the Reds could be set for even more history when they travel to Westpac Stadium to face the Wellington Phoenix.
A win or draw against the Nix would mean Adelaide extends its unbeaten streak to nine matches against the New Zealand club.
While being an impressive feat, it would also be a club record for the Reds.
The stats do not make good reading for the Phoenix, who have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 home games.
Wellington Phoenix vs Adelaide United, Saturday 5:35pm AEDT
Fortress Suncorp
Brisbane Roar will welcome a Melbourne City side to Suncorp Stadium with both sides needing to click into gear as the season progresses.
John Aloisi’s men will feel confident of a positive result at home, having defeated City in six of their past nine games at the venue.
Both sides will back themselves defensively in what could be an arm-wrestle.
Brisbane goalkeeper Jamie Young has the second highest save percentage this season (72 per cent) while City’s Harrison Delbridge has won the most duels of any Hyundai A-League player this campaign (38).
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City, Saturday 7:50pm AEDT
New era for Victory?
Melbourne Victory’s dramatic extra-time triumph over Sydney FC in last season’s semi-final is one of the greatest Hyundai A-League matches of all time.
The 3-2 triumph also broke a seven-match losing streak for Victory against the Sky Blues, a period in which they could only muster four goals.
Sydney have lost just three of their last 18 home games against Victory so they will be looking to continue that form at a new venue in Jubilee Stadium.
Victory will back their attack with marquee Keisuke Honda having created a league-high 17 scoring chances in four games so far.
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory, Sunday 5:00pm AEDT
Rough road-trip for Mariners?
Central Coast Mariners’ away form doesn’t make for pretty reading, being winless in the last 12 matches on the road.
Meanwhile, Perth Glory have not lost in seven home games against the Mariners – and have scored an average of three goals per game in that time.
That trend could continue as Glory lead the league for shots inside the box this season, with 40 in just four matches.
Perth Glory vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 7:00pm AEDT
