David Lowe preview’s Week 8 of the Hyundai A-League.
The Newcastle Jets travel to Hindmarsh Stadium to take on Adelaide this Friday night in the opening fixture of Week 8 of the Hyundai A-League, in what looms as a very important game for both sides.
The Jets currently sit one spot above the Reds in what is a very congested mid-table region, and a win for either side could see them jump up to a top four position.
The Jets have been, by and large, very good at home and competitive without being effective on the road and coach Gary van Egmond will be very keen to rectify that scenario this weekend.
After a brave and whole-hearted effort against the champions Brisbane Roar last Saturday, the Jets face a different type of assignment in this game, but one with no less challenges.
It’s fair to say that Adelaide haven’t been in vintage form to this point, but they were only seven minutes and an unlucky own goal away from securing consecutive victories in New Zealand last weekend.
The Jets will have close to a full complement of players to choose from , with the exception of injured custodian Ben Kennedy and Ben Kantarovski who is on Australian U23 duties, and given the different nature of the opposition this week may possibly tinker with strategy and personnel.
Three precious away points would be fantastic ahead of the visit of a certain Harry Kewell and the Melbourne Victory next week.
Elsewhere all eyes will be on Brisbane’s attempt to create Australian sporting history, in going 36 consecutive games without defeat, when they host Perth Glory on Saturday night.
An embattled Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic needs his side to put the Gold Coast to the sword to relieve mounting pressure.
