Ernie’s squad for Saturday against Melbourne Victory has been named, and continuity seems to be key.
There are no changes from the 18-man squad which was named ahead of last weekend’s draw with Adelaide United, but there could be changes among the gameday side.
Johnny Koutroumbis has overcome a minor hamstring injury and could come into the mix this weekend, likely in a wide defensive position as he’s occupied for most of the season.
One man who looks likely to continue an unbroken run of games is the ever-present Nikolai Topor-Stanley, who Ernie Merrick called a ‘machine’ in the afters of last weekend’s match.
Newcastle Jets FC Squad: 1.Glen MOSS (gk), 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimi PETRATOS, 8.Jair, 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 22.Lachlan JACKSON, 23.Matt RIDENTON, 24.Joey CHAMPNESS, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
Ins: 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (return from injury), 32.Angus THURGATE (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 3.Jason HOFFMAN (ankle – TBC), 10.Ronald VARGAS (hamstring – 3 weeks)