The Newcastle Jets travel to New Zealand to take on Wellington Phoenix this Saturday afternoon, with a 1:00 pm AEDT kick-off.
After a previous unbeaten run of six matches, the Jets went down 3-1 last weekend to Western United, with Beka Mikeltadze scoring off the penalty spot.
This weekend will prove to be another crucial match for the Jets, as a win over in New Zealand could see Newcastle jump up into the top six.
This will be the first time in three years that the Jets have traveled to Wellington, with their last match played there in January 2020.
There is currently one point difference between the two sides, with the Jets sitting on seventh place and Wellington holding fifth place.
Wellington’s previous match was a 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners, which saw Oskar Zawada score a late equaliser for the Phoenix in additional time.
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With four points difference between seventh and second place on the ladder, there is a tight contest for the top six as positions are changing every week.
The previous match between the two sides saw the Jets take the three points with a 3-1 victory over the Phoenix at home. In their six previous matches, Newcastle have won four with Wellington winning the other two.
Phoenix are sitting on 25 points, with six wins, seven draws, and five losses in their 18 matches played.
A player to watch is Wellington’s Oskar Zawada who has scored ten goals for his side so far this season. Newcastle’s defence will be putting all stops out to ensure he doesn’t add any more goals to his name.
With Trent Buhagiar and Beka Dartsmelia both getting on the scoresheet in their previous match against the Phoenix, they will be hoping to do so again this weekend.
Upon Manabu Saito’s debut, he has come off the bench three times and has provided quality chances for his side. He will be pushing for a starting position in Saturday’s lineup, to make his first start for the Jets.
Fans can watch the game live via Paramount+ when it kicks off at 1:00 pm.
By Daniella Flamiatos
