Adam Taggart says the Jets are happy with their preparation ahead of Friday night’s do-or-die match up with Western Sydney.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Adam Taggart says the Jets are happy with their preparation ahead of Friday night-s do-or-die match up with Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
With no match last weekend, the Jets have had two weeks to prepare to face the table-topping Wanderers.
Taggart said the extra time in between matches had been extremely beneficial for the Jets as they gear up for the biggest game of their season.
“We obviously had quite a few games in a row and there were a few of us who just needed a few days to get the body back in shape and try to refresh the legs for this weekend,” Taggart said.
“Overall it was a massive positive for us and will help us a lot going into this game.
“We-re all feeling really confident going into the game and we-ve had a good week of training.
“In the last couple of games I think we-ve played really well, but we just haven-t been able to get a result on the end of it.
“If we can keep the team playing the way we have been, get more goals in the back of the net and obviously keep them out whilst we-re at home, I think it-ll be a massive positive.”
While the Jets welcome back their marquee star Emile Heskey for the Good Friday clash, the Wanderers will be without their own big-name player, with Shinjo Ono being ruled out through injury.
A handful of other Western Sydney players are in doubt for the match, but Taggart said the Jets would still be wary of their opponents- strengths.
“Having a few key players out might change the way they play a little bit,” Taggart said.
“They-re quite a counter-attacking football team. If you look at all the stats, they never really have the bulk of possession, but they always look dangerous when they-re going forward.
“It-s something we need to keep an eye on. We-ve done a lot in training to make sure we can deal with that and stop their counter-attack.”
Newcastle-s largest home crowd of the season is expected at Hunter Stadium on Friday and Taggart said the Jets players will be sure relish the big-game atmosphere.
“It-s an exciting game for us. Obviously we want to play finals football, so three points for us will be excellent to give us the best chance we can to get into that top six,” he said.
“Our fans have been great all season and I think they-ll come out in numbers again and support us all the way through.”
Jets supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets for Friday’s clash with the Wanderers from PROticket to secure the best seats and avoid queues on the day.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
