The Newcastle Jets take on Western Sydney in the Australian A-League on Friday morning, with the home side looking to close the gap on the league leaders to just two points with a win. It is Ernie Merrick’s men who are the firm favourites for victory, with their opponents having won just twice all season. However, with the visitors having won their last outing, it could well be that the home side do not have things all their own way at the Newcastle International Sports Centre.
Australia A-League – Newcastle International Sports Centre, New South Wales – Friday 22nd December – 08:50 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/4 at Ladbrokes |
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Newcastle Jets
Sydney WanderersNewcastle Jets vs Western Sydney Wanderers – Match Preview
The Newcastle Jets are the favourites to add to their seven A-League victories so far this season when they take on the Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday morning, with the home side having been one of the most entertaining teams in Australia over recent weeks. Despite rivals Sydney FC having already built a comfortable lead at the top of the table, Ernie Merrick and his men will be looking to do all they can to apply the pressure when they face off against Wanderers in New South Wales. For those still unsure of who to back, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Newcastle Jets Team News & Form
The home side come into this match off the back of an entertaining win over Adelaide United last time around, a result which leaves them second in the standings, still five points behind Sydney FC. The Jets are the leading scorers in the A-League with 25 goals from their 11 matches to date, with manager Merrick undoubtedly hoping that his team can continue their good run of form in front of goal. However, injuries to star duo Roy O’Donovan and Ronald Vargas will undoubtedly effect the home team, with Newcastle already looking to make signings in the transfer market as a result.
Western Sydney Wanderers Team News & Form
Western Sydney defeat the Central Coast Mariners on the road last time around to earn just their second three points of the campaign so far, with manager Josep Gombau now looking for his side to put in a good run of form. A lack of goals has certainly effected their progress to date, with the pressure now on the likes of Oriol Riera and veteran striker Brendon Santalab to start delivering in front of goal.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 16 times in the past, with Western Sydney having won eight of such meetings, as well as registering five draws. Wanderers defeated Newcastle 3-0 away from home earlier in the year.
Jets vs Sydney Wanderers Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their position in the standings and their status as the home team on Friday, it comes as little surprise that it is the Newcastle Jets who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to back the home side for the win for can take advantage of odds of 23/20 from William Hill, while the visiting side are priced at 11/5 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip: Newcastle Jets vs Western Sydney Wanderers
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds 4/5 ahead of kick-off at Ladbrokes.