The in-form Newcastle Jets face an in-form Sydney FC this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium.
The in-form Newcastle Jets face an in-form Sydney FC this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium and coach Gary van Egmond knows it will be a good challenge for his young side.
“Sydney have got a lot of confidence and momentum as well,” van Egmond said.
“We feel a little bit the same as what they do as well from the perspective of good momentum and confidence within our group.
“It should be a very good game.”
Saturday-s game provides the Jets a chance to avenge their round one defeat at the same venue.
“I think were a little bit star-struck from the first game,” van Egmond added.
“There was a huge build up and anticipation for the first game; it was the first game of the comp.
“A couple of boys, from playing friendlies to the real things maybe just got a little bit lost on that night.
“As we-ve seen, it-s now coming into round 8 and its totally different.”
The Jets are again without defender Connor Chapman due to an ankle injury, with Taylor Regan expected to fill that position again this Saturday night.
“Connor won-t play, he still has some issues with that ankle,” van Egmond said.
“If it were a grand final, we-d look at, maybe, playing him.
“I don-t like playing, in particular, young players who have any chance of reinjuring their ankle as it can become worse. We need to really err on the side of caution.
“Taylor is the natural player to come in for that position.”
