There is absolutely nothing separating the Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets as they meet tonight for their second clash of the season. Both teams are sitting on 14 points (a tantalising 3 behind first placed Central Coast Mariners) and both have won 3, lost 1 and drawn 5.
When they met in Round 5, Melbourne went down 2 goals in a “woeful” first half. But thanks to goals from Archie Thompson and Adrian Caceres, they were able to pull back and come out with a draw.
Tonight, I hope that a surging Melbourne Victory can pull of their third win in a row at Telstra Dome. And with the return of Kevin Muscat (who ushers Kaz Patafta out of the squad), Ernie Merrick has more or less a full squad to pick from. Ljubo Milicevic has still not recovered from a knee injury, so he won’t be in the squad, despite having had his suspension lifted earlier this week.
Last Sunday’s game against the Perth Glory was, as far as I’m concerned, Melbourne’s finest so far. To be more precise, the first half was the best 45 minutes we’ve seen Melbourne play. After a dismal performance the week before, Grant Brebner’s return seemed to solidify the squad. But it made me wonder whether Brebner’s improved presence had something to do with Muscat’s absence. Are the two midfielders choking each others’ style?
Jets coach Gary van Egmond has to do without star-signing Mario Jardel, but enjoys the return of Adam Griffiths. Newcastle have only picked up a single win in their last 5, while they have lost 1 and drawn the rest. They will understandably be looking to pick up their second consecutive win at Telstra Dome (they beat Melbourne 1-0 last year in the teams’ only game at the Dome).
As always, it’s a tough one to predict. But, being the eternal optimist I am, I’m tipping a solid showing from Melbourne:
My tip: Melbourne Victory 3, Newcastle Jets 1
Your tip?
Loading ...
2 responses so far ↓
1 David // Oct 26, 2007 at 4:30 pm
My tip is Melbourne Victory 2 Newcastle Jets 1
I think there will be a high tempo start again, but unlike last Sunday against Perth, it will be cooler so the second half could be the key to winning, and with Muscat back we should hold out. I’m hoping Carlos gets another goal =)
2 David // Oct 26, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Oh Dear… well they started very brightly, pity it only lasted 8 minutes. Set piece eh? didn’t anyone learn from the Adelaide match? Plenty of push in the second half, but after Panta went off it was going to be uphill, and what happens when you’re stretched and trying to equalise? Gutted.
Leave a Comment