Ernie Merrick has been allowed the luxury of selecting a virtually unchanged squad for this weekend’s big clash with Perth Glory.
The only in is Lachlan Jackson, who has recovered from a broken nose which restricted his breathing and kept him out of last weekend’s win over the Roar.
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Jason Hoffman was a gameday exclusion after suffering back spasms on Sunday morning, but he’s recovered and is in the mix for Sunday.
Also looking to put their best foot forward for selection will be returning Olyroos trio, Johnny Koutroumbis, Angus Thurgate, and Ivan Vujica.
Vujica and striker, Kaine Sheppard were propelled into the starting line-up last weekend and after positive performances they’ll be keen to keep their spots.
Dimi Petratos was on fire last weekend, creating five chances and maintaining an incredible passing accuracy of above 90%, and he’ll be key once more this weekend.
Newcastle Jets: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimi PETRATOS, 8.Jair, 10.Ronald VARGAS, 11.Mitch AUSTIN, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Jason HOFFMAN (return from injury), 22.Lachlan JACKSON (return from injury)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 9.Roy O’DONOVAN (suspension – 1 round), 24.Joe CHAMPNESS (foot – TBC)
