The Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Friday’s must-win clash with Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets have named an 18-man squad for Friday-s must-win clash with Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium.
Jets interim head coach Clayton Zane said he expected to field a similar line-up to the one that drew 2-2 against Melbourne Victory last weekend.
Retiring Jets forward Michael Bridges has been named in the squad for what will be his last match at Hunter Stadium.
“We-ve gone with a pretty similar squad again this week,” Zane said.
“We-ll look at the bench again and that will be the major topic for the coaching staff to go through.
“We need make sure we-ve got the balance right so we have the necessary impact at the end of the game if we need it.
“In terms of the starting XI, I don-t think it will be too dissimilar.”
The Jets need to defeat Adelaide and hope Perth Glory beat Sydney FC to have a chance for qualifying for the Hyundai A-League Finals Series on goal difference.
Zane said the Jets would look push forward in search of goals against the Reds.
“Last week you could see during the first 20 minutes our intent was to go out and make sure we concentrated on scoring goals,” Zane said.
“I think that will be the same this week. I-ve talked about us being disciplined, but at the same time we need to be on the front foot.
“It-s a game that we need to take to Adelaide a little, but we just need to be careful with the moments where we push people forward to try and look for the goals we require.”
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 4. Kew JALIENS, 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Ruben ZADKOVICH (c), 9. Emile HESKEY, 11. Craig GOODWIN, 14. Josh MITCHELL, 15. Josh BRILLANTE, 16. Jacob PEPPER, 19. Michael BRIDGES, 21. Sam GALLAWAY, 20. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 22. Adam TAGGART, 23. David CARNEY, 24. Mitch OXBORROW, 27. Nick WARD, 29. Joel GRIFFITHS.
Ins: 16. Jacob PEPPER, (promoted), 19. Michael BRIDGES (promoted).
Outs: Nil.
Unavailable: 2. Scott NEVILLE (knee injury – long term), 3. Zenon CARAVELLA (knee injury – three to five weeks), 25. Mitch COOPER (knee injury – long term).
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Friday, April 11
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
