James Virigli says the Jets will draw inspiration from their previous meeting with Sydney FC, when they face the Sky Blues on Saturday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets winger James Virigli says the Jets will be drawing inspiration from their 3-2 win over Sydney FC in Round 2, when the two sides meet again at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.
The Jets put in arguably their best performance of the season when they travelled to Sydney and secured a 3-2 win over the Sky Blues in Alessandro Del Piero-s first home game.
Despite the big crowd in attendance, the Jets were not daunted by the occasion, with their own marquee striker Emile Heskey leading the way with the win.
Virgili said that experience will hold the Jets in good stead for this weekend-s fixture.
“Against Sydney, there were 35,000 people there and it was a really tough game, but we won it 3-2,” Virgili explained.
“You-d like to think at home this week, we can do that again.
“With Del Piero here you-d like to think that would bring a few more people through the gates.
“We-ve been getting good crowds, over 13,000 each game and hopefully the crowds keep coming and be that 12th man for us.”
A number of other intriguing story lines surround the game with Newcastle Jets striker Ryan Griffiths squaring off with his brother Adam once again. Ryan took sibling bragging rights from the first meeting after scoring the Jets- opening goal.
Meanwhile, Jason Culina and Ali Abbas will return to face their former club and Virgili said the Jets would be keeping a close eye on the former Socceroo.
“I think anyone who plays against a former club wants to have a good game against them and I-m sure Jason will be trying his hardest as he always does,” Virgili said.
“He-s a quality player, he-s always looking to get touches on the football and he-ll certainly influence how they play.
“He-s one player that we have to try and stop and there are 10 others we have to try and stop as well.”
Virgili said the Jets are eager to get their season back on the right track by stringing some wins together, starting with this weekend-s match against Sydney FC.
“The boys- confidence is a bit down, but everyone is trying to stay positive,” he said.
“In the A-League if you can win a few games straight then you-re back up the top again.
“Everyone-s just staying positive and hopefully we can bounce back against Sydney.
“The older boys are always pushing us and trying to keep everyone positive. At the start of the season we won three or four straight so I-m sure we can get back to those ways.”
While the Jets have slowed down after their blistering start to the season, Sydney FC are also struggling and are currently sitting in last place on the A-League ladder.
“Their confidence is probably down a bit too, so we-ll try and take advantage of that,” Virgili said.
“They-ve lost a few straight now too and we-ll be looking to get three points against them and get back up the top.”
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Saturday, December 22
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
Limited parking will be available for purchase at the car park entrances on game days for the remainder of the Jets 2012/13 season. Whilst there will be parking available for purchase, Hunter Venues does encourage patrons to pre-purchase their parking tickets at a PROticket outlet or online at www.proticket.com.au as parking is subject to availability.
