After missing two matches due to COVID, our Liberty A-League side is back on the field and make their much anticipated return to No.2 Sportsground as they take on Perth Glory.
Our side are currently enjoying a three-game unbeaten streak and most recently took down Wellington in a nail-biting victory to finish off 2021 on a high.
Meanwhile, Perth is coming off two consecutive losses to Adelaide and more recently, Sydney, but sit just one place below us on the ladder on goal difference.
With a win, either team could launch themselves into the top four, making this clash at the Sportsground an extremely vital match-up.
NEWCASTLE JETS V PERTH GLORY
Date: Sunday 16 January 2022
Kick-off: 6:45pm
Venue: No.2 Sportsground
How to Watch: Paramount+
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Played: 21
Jets: 6
Draws: 6
Glory: 9
BACK TO NO.2 SPORTSGROUND
For the first time since March last year, we take to the field again at our spiritual home, No.2 Sportsground.
Our history at the venue is a rather mixed bag having won three of our eight games at the venue which includes one victory over Perth back in 2019.
Despite losing in our past three outings, there’s no denying the fantastic atmosphere that comes with the Sportsground and the support that amplifies from our local fans.
Our Women will be fired up to be back, as will our supporters.
PREPARING FOR PERTH
After starting off strong with two early wins against Brisbane, the Glory have struggled to find wins whilst playing away from their home state.
Perth have struggled in the goal scoring department this season, averaging a goal a game, but in recent matches, our fixtures have been full of high scoring displays. Since 2017, 31 goals have been scored across the seven games, at an average of over four per match.
While our side have been able to produce goals in every game so far this season, defensively there are still areas to improve with only one clean sheet to our name.
If our Jets are to take the three points this Sunday, they’ll need to make sure we are sound at the back.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hannah Brewer (Newcastle Jets)
As mentioned, this fixture between our Jets and Perth tend to feature a lot of goals, making defence all the more important and veteran Hannah Brewer will be the one to lead the way in that area.
The 100+ game defender has been an anchor at the back in years prior and will be needing to do the same alongside centre-back partner Taren King if the team are to have a successful season.
Over the last four seasons, Brewer has made over 75 interceptions and 50 tackles and is a proven stronghold at the back.
Alana Jancesvki (Perth Glory)
18-year-old Alana Jancevski is quickly beginning to make a name for herself in Perth since making her debut in Round One.
She has scored two goals, leads her team for most successful dribbles and has shone in each match she’s played.
The young winger has also won possession of the ball in midfield 17 times – more times than any of our Jets.
She will be a player our side need to shut down if we are to celebrate returning to No.2 Sportsground, with the three points.
STATS & FACTS
Both teams enter this match on the same points (seven) and alongside one another on the ladder, however our Jets currently still have a game in hand.
Despite this, we do feature some major differences when it comes to the stats such as shots on target, successful tackles, average possession, and accurate passes.
The Jets are towards the top of the league in average possession, with our side sitting at almost 54%, while Perth are down below at 46%. To keep possession, you need accurate passes and our team also sit close to the top with over 285 passes made each game as opposed to the Glory’s 248.
With that being said though, defensively our opponents have been strong and are one of the better tackling teams in the competition. They average 16 tackles a game with an average of 63% success rate, while our Jets typically make the least amount of tackles with 10 with a success rate of 59%.
Ultimately the match will come to whoever can sneak home goals though, and in the shots on target department, our Jets currently fire over six shots on target a game, in contrast to Perth’s two.
