NewcastleJets.com.au scribe Luke Robbs takes a look at three potentially key match-ups for when the club takes on Perth Glory in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday evening.
If the Jets are to advance to the next phase of the competition on Tuesday night, the club will need key men to win their individual duels.
Tickets for the contest are available here.
LABINOT HALITI vs. JERRAD TYSON
Haliti: The attacker will kick-off his third stint at Newcastle Jets when he takes to the field against Perth. Indeed, Haliti is likely to be the focal point of the Jets attack on Tuesday and he will be looking to start the season in goal scoring form after netting the only goal in the Jets’ training match during the club’s recent tour of Northern New South Wales. The former Australian youth representative was part of the Western Sydney Wanderers squad that took out the 2014 AFC Champions League and will provide a threat to the Glory defence, including his former teammate at ‘Wanderland’, Jerrad Tyson.
Tyson: With Ante Covic a few weeks away from linking with the Glory squad, Kenny Lowe is likely to deploy Jerrad Tyson between the sticks for Perth on Tuesday evening. Tyson, who was by and large Covic’s deputy during his time with Western Sydney Wanderers, has most recently been plying his trade in Hong Kong with Sun Pegasus. The 25-year-old will know Haliti’s game well after training together for two seasons as teammates, so his read on the attacker’s moves and instincts will either help or hinder Perth.
CAMERON WATSON vs. NEBOJSA MARINKOVIC
Watson: The FFA Cup match against Perth will be Watson’s competitive debut in a Jets shirt and the experienced central midfielder will, in part, be charged with screening the back four and keeping a tight leash on the dangerous Glory midfield, particularly Serbian Nebo Marinkovic. Watson made the move to Newcastle for the start of the 2015/16 season and has all the know-how needed to steer the Jets through the Round of the 32 clash after helping Adelaide United take out last year’s inaugural FFA Cup. During his time with the Reds the former FC Porto youth teamer developed into a composed midfielder, and he will be looking to make life difficult for Marinkovic and the Glory midfield.
Marinkovic: Marinkovic was a powerhouse in Glory’s charge to the FFA Cup Final last year, notching up five goals in three appearances. The Serbian joined Perth during the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season and the experience he gained in his home countries top tier of football, Serbia’s SuperLiga, allowed him to quickly establish his spot in the Glory first team. The attacking midfielder is a free kick specialist and a clinical finisher and has scored some memorable goals since moving to Perth. Scott Miller’s men will need to keep Marinkovic quiet if they want to send their fans home happy.
NIGEL BOOGAARD vs. CHRIS HAROLD
Boogaard: Like Cameron Watson, experienced defender Boogaard was instrumental in Adelaide winning the FFA Cup last season. The Novocastrian made the switch to the Jets after successful stints with Adelaide and Central Coast Mariners saw him develop into a seasoned and reliable professional. Boogaard is one of the best central defenders in the Hyundai A-League and at over six-foot provides a commanding presence in the Jets’ defensive line. The centre back represented Australia at youth level and will be looking to keep Harold quiet in his maiden competitive appearance for the Jets.
Harold: The former Gold Coast United front man is the only established number nine at Kenny Lowe’s disposal for the match following the off-season departures of Andy Keogh and Jamie Maclaren. Harold, 23, has already made over 60 appearances for the Glory and is one of their brightest young talents. Harold won the National Youth League title with Gold Coast and the striker has pace to burn. If Harold gets the ball at his feet and the Jets defence – sure to include Nigel Boogaard – fails to close him down, he has the potential to provide Glory with a cutting edge.
Newcastle Jets vs. Perth Glory – 2015 Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32
Tuesday 11 August 2015
Magic Park, Broadmeadow
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #NEWvPER
