Scott Neville expects Adelaide United to provide the Jets with a stern test in their season opener at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Scott Neville expects Adelaide United to provide the Jets with a stern test in their season opener at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
Adelaide played the first leg of their AFC Asian Champions League quarter final against Uzbekistan-s Bunyodkor a fortnight ago and the second leg of the tie takes place in Tashkent on Wednesday night.
Neville cited the fact the Reds have already begun playing high pressure, competitive matches as a reason the Jets will need to be at their best come Sunday.
“I expect them to be pretty sharp, obviously with them playing in the AFC Asian Champions League, that match fitness will be good for them,” he said.
“With the travelling they-ve got, hopefully they-ll be a bit fatigued by the time we play them on Sunday.”
The ex-Perth Glory player has been a constant fixture on the right-hand side of the Jets- back line this pre-season which has alternated between a back three and a back four.
Neville said the Jets are adaptable and comfortable playing with both systems, but gave little away when asked how he expected the side to line-up in the opening match of the season.
“No one knows whether we-re going to play with a back four or a back three yet to be honest with you,” he said.
“It-ll be good to have both up our sleeves to be able to surprise teams.”
Neville has adapted smoothly to Gary van Egmond-s playing style since moving from Perth and he is confident the Jets have the playing ability and personnel to be a finals contender this season.
“Luckily the pre-season has been pretty long, so it-s given me four or five months to settle in,” he said.
“Training has been really hard and physical which is what we all need and everyone is ready to get out there for Round 1.
“It-s a highly energetic, high pressing game that-s possession based. That-s what everyone has been working on at training during the season and hopefully it will pay dividends during the season.
“We-ll just take it game by game, but we-ve got a great squad here and hopefully we can do some really good things this season.”
Match details:
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Hunter Stadium
Sunday, October 7
Kick-off at 3pm
Tickets available through PROticket
It’s not too late to become a Jets Member. New Members joining from now until midnight Thursday, October 4 will receive an E-Ticket from PROticket for this Sunday’s match. More details can be found HERE.
