After a disappointing defeat in Melbourne, the Jets will be looking to bounce back and pick up all three points at home to Brisbane on Sunday.
There’s plenty to talk about in the lead-up to what’s shaping as a huge clash for both sides, who know that a win this weekend will bode well for their chances moving forward.
WHAT WE LEARNT: A tough night in Melbourne
Here are five things we’ve picked out to ponder ahead of Sunday.
Brisbane lacking troops?
A travelling Roar outfit finished with ten men on the park last Friday night, after Stefan Mauk was shown a red card for a nasty tackle late in the game.
He’ll definitely miss out while another player who has a big question mark over his head is former Jets attacker, Adam Taggart.
Substituted in the 36th minute with a groin complaint, Taggart is rated a 50/50 chance of making the trip to Newcastle this weekend.
Another creative Brisbane talent, Eric Bautheac, may also miss Sunday’s match after succumbing to a knee complaint.
Jair on the road to recovery
One man who may overcome injury in time for this Sunday afternoon is Jets man, Jair.
After picking up a hip injury on a dodgy Spotless Stadium surface, the Brazillian attacker has been training well and is tracking well towards gametime.
It’d be a huge in for Ernie Merrick’s side, who have scored just five goals so far this season.
Kick starting a local run
After four games on the road and just two at McDonald Jones Stadium so far this season, the upcoming month is shaping as a local one for the Jets.
Sunday will be the first of four home games in the coming month, with the one remaining away game against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday 23 December.
It’s shaping as a huge springboard for the Jets to leap into a hectic January period, and one where they’ll need all your support.
Danger man Dimi facing former club
He’s been doing it in Jets colours for more than a season now, but once upon a time the dangerous Dimi Petratos was one of Brisbane’s most dangerous attackers.
Roar will know all about the threat which Petratos poses, after the wonder goal he scored against them in Round 3 last season.
Whether or not he’ll be allowed to space to work similar magic is a different story, but if one person can find the room to make it work it’s Dimi Petratos.
Staying in touch with the six
It’s only early days and there’s a lot of football to be played, but it’s crucial to stay in touch with the top six and not be playing catch up football.
This weekend is a battle of 6th v 7th, with the Jets fighting for the right to jump back into finals contention.
A win won’t take them any higher than sixth but will bring the side within two points of fifth-placed Melbourne City and closer still to the rest of the pack.
