Saturday’s A-League 2016 Round 8 match is between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets. The opening kick off is set to commence at 17:37 local time with the game to be played at AAMI Park. The home team Melbourne Victory are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets.
Melbourne Victory will be well-rested after their game with Phoenix was postponed due to the earthquake in New Zealand.
The benefit of having fresh legs should be an advantage particularly with the Jets coming off a shorter turnaround having played the Mariners on Sunday.
Melbourne’s last match was the 3-0 win over the Wanderers so they’ll be full of confidence and ready to tackle a vulnerable Jets side.
The interesting news out of the Victory camp has been youngster Seb Pasquali who is off to Ajax.
Seb has loads of potential which he has already shown in his limited game time. He’s a special talent, highlighted in his cameo against Juventus back in the off-season.
Newcastle are struggling at the moment and despite creating plenty of opportunities against the Mariners, only walked away with one goal.
As is the case with many teams in the A-League this season, Newcastle need a chance or two to go their way which will give the team a lift and hopefully get their season back on track.
Victory however, should dominate this match and put a lot of pressure on the Jets’ defence.
KEY BATTLE: Oliver Bozanic v Morten Nordstrand
Both scored in their last outings and both are key men in their teams. Whoever can get on top in this midfield battle should provide the platform for their team’s victory.
The verdict
Melbourne will take full advantage of the week off and be too strong for the Jets.
Unibet Odds: Melbourne Victory 1.50 Draw 4.35 Newcastle 6.50
Tip: Melbourne Victory
Correct score: Melbourne Victory 2-0
Teams:
Melbourne Victory squad: 2.Jason GERIA, 4.Nick ANSELL, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Marco ROJAS, 8.Besart BERISHA, 9.Max BEISTER, 10.James TROISI, 11.Mitch AUSTIN, 13.Oliver BOZANIC, 14.Fahid BEN KHALFALLAH, 15.Alan BARO, 16.Rashid MAHAZI, 17.James DONACHIE, 20.Lawrence THOMAS (gk), 21.Carl VALERI (c), 22.Stefan NIGRO, 23.Jai INGHAM, 30.Lucas SPINELLA (gk).
Newcastle Jets squad: 3.Jason HOFFMAN, 5.Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6.Steven UGARKOVIC, 7.Andrew HOOLE, 8.Mateo POLJAK, 10.Wayne BROWN (c), 11.Labinot HALITI, 12.Andy BRENNAN, 13.Ivan VUJICA, 16.Nicholas COWBURN, 18.MA Leilei, 19.Morten NORDSTRAND, 20.Jack DUNCAN (gk), 23.Devante CLUT, 26.Iain FYFE, 28.John KOUTROUMBIS, 30.Pierce CLARK (gk).
