The Newcastle Jets are back in action at McDonald Jones Stadium this Sunday afternoon, taking on the 2017/18 champions, Melbourne City.
It’s the third home outing for the Jets this season, as they hunt for a third win of the season with almost all of the squad available to Craig Deans.
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Here are five things to keep an eye on this weekend.
Bouncing back
It will have been almost ten days between outings for the Jets by the time they take to the pitch against City on Sunday.
Their last outing was the 1-0 defeat at home to Brisbane Roar last Thursday night.
The loss meant Newcastle missed the chance to go three wins in a row, but the Round 6 clash presents as a prime opportunity to take three points and charge back towards the top four.
Crummer confronting familiar faces
This weekend’s opponents will feature more than a few familiar faces for one Jet in particular – Larissa Crummer.
The striker-turned-centre-back shot to prominence in the sky blue of City, claiming the Golden Boot at the club back in the 2015/16 season.
With plenty to prove in the middle of the backline, Crummer will be well and truly up for it come Sunday.
Champions City on struggle street
While it’s too early to write the three-time consecutive champions off, it’s easy to see that Melbourne City are struggling at this stage in the Westfield W-League.
Melbourne have picked up just one win in five attempts so far this season, but the congested nature of the ladder at this early stage means they’re just three points from the top four.
That being said though, they’re three-time champions for a reason and Craig Deans will have to ensure his troops are at 100% if the three points are to stay in Newcastle this weekend.
Another week under Gilly’s belt
Arin Wright featured in her first football match in more than two months when she took to the pitch on Thursday night against Brisbane.
The American played 60 minutes and acquitted herself well, getting on the end of a good ball at the back post in the first half and nearly grabbing a goal.
With another week of training under belt and re-familiarising herself with Newcastle, Gilly will be even better come Sunday.
Crucial early season fixture
With two wins and two losses from four games so far, the Round 6 clash is shaping as a crucial three points for the Jets.
Given the Westfield W-League season will see Newcastle play just 12 times for a shot at finals glory, picking up points at every juncture is crucial.
A win could see the Jets fly as high as second on the ladder – expect a determined showing in front of a big home crowd.
