Newcastle Jets take on Western Sydney Wanderers at the McDonald Jones Stadium in the latest round of A-League fixtures on Saturday, with the hosts looking for their first win in four games to move them up from 10th in the table.
The visitors started the season well but have also been in poor form recently, falling down to third in the standings, having previously looked as though they could mount a title push.
Match preview
Even though seven places separate the two teams in the table, Newcastle are only six points behind their opponents, and there is still plenty of time to mount a playoff push if they start to put a run together.
The Jets started the season in the best possible fashion, winning their first two games, but they have endured a torrid run since then, losing seven of their last 10 league matches.
Not only that, but Arthur Papas's side have lost their last three home matches, most recently coming up short in a disappointing game against Sydney FC, losing 2-0 despite dominating the ball in the second half.
Newcastle have the joint-worst attacking output in the league, having scored just 10 goals in their 12 matches up to this point, a record that has got worse recently, given that they have only managed to score two goals in their last six games.
Last time out, the Jets drew 1-1 away at Western United, although they would have been hoping for more, given that their opponents are below them in the table, after a very poor start to the season.
Western Sydney Wanderers, akin to Newcastle, made a brilliant start to the A League season, conceding just once in their first four games and winning four of their first six, but things have started to unravel.
In their last six games, the Wanderers have won only once, suffering a particularly disappointing away loss against Western United, while also losing at Perth Glory, who are currently ninth in the table.
Mark Rudan's side are not prolific, having scored the least goals of any side in the A-League playoffs, but they have been solid defensively for much of the season so far, conceding only nine goals, the second-best record in the league.
The Wanderers have only scored more than one goal in a game on two occasions this season, highlighting their troubles in front of goal, and they had the same old problem against Melbourne City in their last match.
WSW somehow managed to get a point against the league leaders, but on paper they really should not have, given that they only had two shots in the match, compared to 31 from their opponents, and Rudan will want to see a much-improved performance on Saturday.
Team News
Beka Mikeltadze has not scored in his last six matches for Newcastle Jets, and so Trent Buhagiar could be preferred at striker, having started the last match.
Although his side picked up a point in their last match, Papas could be tempted to revert to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, to provide his side with a bit more defensive solidity.
Beka Dartsmelia has started six of the last seven games, and he should keep his place at the base of midfield, being accompanied by Angus Thurgate, who has featured in every league game so far.
As for Western Sydney Wanderers, Brandon Borrello has been their main focal point in attack this season, scoring three goals and assisting two others in the A-League, and he is poised to lead the line.
Sulejman Krpic could come into the starting lineup next to the 27-year-old forward, replacing youngster Nathaniel Blair, who was withdrawn early in the last match.
Newcastle Jets possible starting lineup:
Duncan; Ingham, Elsey, Jurman, Jenkinson; Dartsmelia, Thurgate, Piscopo, Grozos, Sotirio; Buhagiar
Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Thomas; Tongyik, Mrcela, Marcelo, Traore; Nieuwenhof, Bozanic, Amalfitano, Najjarine; Borrello, Krpic
We say: Newcastle Jets 1-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Newcastle Jets managed to show some improved signs against Western United in their last match, and so they should be good enough to labour to a point on home soil.
Games involving Western Sydney Wanderers are normally low-scoring affairs, and we expect this one to be no different, with Rudan's side picking up their fifth 1-1 draw of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
