This Sunday the Newcastle Jets face ladder-leaders Brisbane Roar on home turf, in what is set to be their toughest test of the season to date.
This Sunday the Newcastle Jets face ladder-leaders Brisbane Roar on home turf, in what is set to be their toughest test of the season to date.
After losing in the opening round to Sydney FC, the Jets are beaten in four games and recorded their first win last Saturday against Adelaide at Coopers Stadium.
Brisbane have won four of their opening five games despite missing a number of key players.
The Roar are set to be without Socceroos Matt McKay and Ivan Franjic and injured trio Besart Berisha, Shane Stefanutto and Liam Milleach but coach Gary van Egmond knows it won-t make this weekend-s assignment any easier.
“We know they will line up in a 4-3-3, playing with two eights but with what personnel remains to be seen,” van Egmond said.
“If you lose quality it does have an impact, but they have good depth and are not winning the comp by a fluke.”
The Jets coach admitted he has a couple of his own players in doubt, including Sam Gallaway who has been battling a knee injury.
“Sammy has been carrying his knee a little bit, so we will assess him,” van Egmond added.
Striker Emile Heskey, who made his return from a knee injury last weekend, is likely to start off the bench as he works to regain full fitness.
The Jets hold their final training session on Saturday morning before Sunday-s Round 6 encounter at Hunter Stadium. The starting XI will be finalised 90 minutes prior to kick off.
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