The Jets come off their weekend break still seeking their first win of the season, but in order to do so they must overcome the competition’s form side in Brisbane at Newcastle’s Energy Australia Stadium on Sunday. Revelations this week that the Hunter Valley club are in financial disarray and are behind in their player payments would not be an ideal match preparation for any team, let alone one that desperately needs a win.
The Roar are expected to start with target man Reinaldo up front, which will be his first appearance of the season following an on-going hamstring issue, while both sides are set to unveil new imports on the weekend. Costa Rican Jean Carlos Solarzano is likely to start up front for Brisbane alongside Reinaldo after receiving his international transfer clearance this week, while Jets coach Branko Culina will unleash Chinese striker Zhang Shou in the hope of improving on Newcastle’s woeful goal-scoring record this season.
The Jets are expecting an above-average crowd on Sunday with local fans ready to rally behind their struggling club, which should provide them with extra inspiration. However, the availability of Reinaldo and Solarzano for the Roar means they can do away with the makeshift strike pairing of Kosta Barbarouses and Thomas Broich, who will both return to midfield. And Brisbane’s additional fire-power should prove too much for Newcastle.
Surprisingly, the Roar are underdogs in this one and at 2.75 for the win they are too good value to pass up.