In what could be an elimination game for one team and a lifeline game for another, Scott Miller’s Newcastle Jets face Kenny Lowe’s Perth Glory in a battle for survival at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia on Sunday, Jan. 24. Newcastle (4-4-7, 16 points, 8th) delivered a comprehensive 3-1 rout of Wellington Phoenix at home, while Perth (3-4-8, 13 points, 9th), were brave in their 2-2 draw with Melbourne City.
“I thought we were good value,” Lowe said of their draw with City. “It was an open game. They had opportunities as well. Quite a good game to watch. Have to give the players credit. I feel gutted for them though, because they’re putting in the performance, but not collecting the full points.”
“It’s a great group. They’re all together. It’s just disappointing that we’re not getting the results we deserve. We’ve played unbelievable football, one on one with the ‘keeper at times, but we can’t finish it. I’m not being critical, but hopefully we can start polishing those chances.”
“We talked to Harold at half-time and said, don’t get down on yourself, do what you do. And he got a goal, so credit to him. Can’t get upset with Collard. He’s done ever so well playing against those two, Novillo and Fornaroli, but it’s one he’ll learn from.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. PT (Saturday)/1 a.m. ET/5 p.m. AEDT. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for this weekend’s match between the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory.
Ante Covic will make at least five saves.
Mark Birighette will make under five saves.
Ryan Kitto will score for Newcastle Jets.
David Carney will score for Newcastle Jets.
Milos Trifunovic will score for Newcastle Jets.
Chris Harold will score for Perth Glory.
Diego Castro will score for Perth Glory.
At least 30 fouls will be whistled.
At least four cards will be issued.
No goals will be scored in the first 10 minutes.
In a wild shootout at Hunter Stadium, in a wide-open affair, it will be Newcastle that will be reading the last rites on Perth Glory. It’s been a rough year for Perth, and despite some impressive wins to their ledger, the Glory are going to be on the decline and lose a tough one away to the Jets.
Newcastle Jets 3, Perth Glory 2
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