The Jets will close out the year on home soil, taking on Adelaide united this Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Jets come into the fixture off the back of a stirring derby win over the Central Coast in Round 9, while Adelaide will be searching for a win after a few tough weeks.
GALLERY: #F3Derby win
Merrick has shown faith in the players that did the job over the Central Coast, going with the same players that took the field in Gosford – while adding Nick Cowburn and Johnny Koutroumbis to the extended squad.
Speaking with media today, Merrick made it clear he had no plans to make any major changes, praising the work of his playing group.
Joe Champness remains the Jets only injury, but the young attacker continues to progress and is expected to be available for selection in the near future as his fitness improves.
Newcastle Jets Round 10 squad:
1.Glen MOSS (gk), 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 4.Nigel BOOGAARD (c), 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Dimi PETRATOS, 8.Jair, 9.Roy O’DONOVAN, 10.Ronald VARGAS, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Kaine SHEPPARD, 16.Nick COWBURN, 17.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 20.Lewis ITALIANO (gk), 23.Matthew RIDENTON, 32.Angus THURGATE, 44.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 16.Nick COWBURN (promoted), 18.Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (promoted)
Outs:
Unavailable: 24.Joe CHAMPNESS (foot – TBC)