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Jets to test their mettle against reigning champions

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The Newcastle Jets are set to face off in a friendly with reigning Hyundai A-League champions, Sydney FC at Magic Park, Broadmeadow.

The match-up shapes as another test for Ernie Merrickā€™s side as the new look squad continues to progress through pre-season.

Merrick said the clash would be major challenge for the Jets as they build on their recent victories on the road.

ā€œWe took a big step forward with the (3 ā€“ 1) win against Melbourne City away from home and backed that up with a win against Canberra Olympic,ā€ said Merrick.

ā€œAside from the wins themselves ā€“ which are always pleasing ā€“ the boys were able to take a lot from those friendly games, both technically and tactically.

ā€œWeā€™ve been able to find the back of the net in recent matches and now itā€™s time to see if we can score some goals against one of the leagueā€™s bigger outfits.ā€

With a squad that is home to names like Brosque, BobĆ“ and Ninkovic; the Jetsā€™ boss knows his team will have to be at their best.

ā€œSydney is a top team who possess a very talented squad, one that isnā€™t too dissimilar to that which went through last season only losing a single match,ā€ Merrick added.

ā€œThey control the midfield really well, theyā€™ve got fullbacks that like to get forward and theyā€™ve got some of the best attacking players in the league.

ā€œIā€™m looking forward to seeing how we can set up against them and control possession ā€“ this will be a great test for our defence.

Merrick indicated that the make up of his starting XI was progressing, with plenty of competition for spots ā€“ with strong form within the sideā€™s junior ranks.

ā€œThereā€™s a position or two that weā€™re looking at to ensure we get the best fit and overall balance for the team.

ā€œI wouldnā€™t say this weekā€™s team is our round 1 side ā€“ but weā€™re definitely getting close.

ā€œThis fixture and the game against Wellington next week will be a great indication of how weā€™re tracking and the progress weā€™ve made to date.ā€

The Jetsā€™ pre-season friendly with Sydney FC kicks of at 3pm at Magic Park, Broadmeadow.