Newcastle Jets come into the second game of the season following a good point at home to Adelaide United last time out. The result would’ve given them a boost, with many writing the team off before the season started. More encouraging was the performance though, which saw the home side on top for long periods and head coach, Jones, will be keen to keep that momentum going into this match. The squad are effected by injuries though with Kennedy, Hoffman, Mullen and Kokko all missing. The will weaken them, especially in defence where Jones will struggle if any more injuries occur. The attacking potential of the team looked promising last weekend though, with Brown looking impressive from deep whilst Nordstrand will be hoping to take his chance and find the net. Newcastle Jets will be buoyed by their good point against Adelaide United last weekend and will look to carry on a good performance into this week where they face another tough test at home against Brisbane. Three points is always the goal at home, but a point would be a good result for the team.
Brisbane Roar will be looking for an improvement after a disappointing performance at times last time out against Melbourne Victory. If they want to realise their potential as a club that should be challenging at the top of the table they’ll need to improve rapidly and get their influential attacking players on the ball more. Brisbane will be missing Petratos through injury whilst McKay is banned following his red card last weekend. They are likely to bring Pepper into the line up in a straight swap and things shouldn’t change too much as they line up in a similar way to the first game of the season. Brisbane Roar come into the game following a decent draw with Melbourne Victory last weekend. Despite the good result the team’s performance was lacking at some points with the side struggling to keep the Victory midfield at bay and The Roar will need to be stronger in central areas.
Verdict & Prediction
An away game to Newcastle is a game that the Roar will be looking to take a positive result from and with The Jets suffering from a lack of available defenders, Brisbane will be looking to attack and secure the first three points this season.
Prediction: Brisbane Roar
Odds: 1.92 SBOBET
