Preview: Macarthur vs. Newcastle Jets - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently sat just one place above their opponents in the A-League table, however, it is only goal difference separating them right now.

Match preview

Macarthur had been undergoing a difficult run of form recently having gone four matches in a row without win, but that was something that came to an end last weekend.

The Bulls conceded in the fourth minute against Wellington Phoenix which likely caused alarm bells, but the team battled back well to win 2-1.

Goals from Ulises Davila and Moudi Najjar secured the important three points that helped them climb into eighth place in the league table, joint on points with both Newcastle Jets and the Nix.

Macarthur have been stronger at home so far this season as well which should add even more confidence heading into this weekend, as the team now looks to provide some consistency.

A repeat of the reverse fixture between these teams would be welcome for new manager Mile Sterjovski, as they were able to win 2-0 last time they met at the start of January.

A similar result would guarantee that Newcastle Jets slide down the division, and they could drop as low as ninth place depending on other results across the league.

While that match is one the team will want to put past them this time out, it was also the last time they lost a match as they have enjoyed a five-match unbeaten streak heading into this game.

Three of those have resulted in draws, but their most recent performance saw Newcastle Jets secure an important three points as they defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1.

A penalty from Beka Mikeltadze was followed by a Kosta Grozos scoring the winner, and kicking on to create their first back-to-back wins of 2023 is now the goal.

One issue that Newcastle Jets will look to improve upon this weekend is their attacking performances away from home as no team has scored fewer goals than them on the road so far this season.

Macarthur Australian A-League form:

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Newcastle Jets Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Filip Kurto was the hero for Macarthur last weekend as he saved two penalties to secure their first victory since Sterjovski took charge of the club, and he will be retaining his place in the team this time out.

After such a positive result and performance, the new boss could opt to make no changes in a bid to keep some momentum behind the team, but Daniel De Silva could be an option after he impressed from the bench.

Both Manabu Saito and Thomas Aquilina were able to make their debuts for the visitors last weekend as substitutes, and will have been hoping they did enough to earn their way to a starting position this time around.

Grozos will be hoping to retain his place in the heart of the midfield after scoring the winner against Melbourne Victory, with his attacking qualities being something that the team needs considering their lack of goals away from home this season.

Macarthur possible starting lineup:

Kurto; Vujica, Aspropotamitis, Uskok, Millar; M'Mombwa, Najjar; Toure, Davila, Noone; Arzani

Newcastle Jets possible starting lineup:

Duncan; Ingham, Jenkinson, Jurman, McGarry; Al-Taay; Thurgate, Grozos, Stynes, Sotirio; Mikeltadze

We say: Macarthur 1-1 Newcastle Jets

Newcastle Jets have stronger form as of late, and that is something that will bring them a lot of momentum into this match.

However, the recent win that Macarthur picked up and the fact that the visitors struggle for goals away from home could lead to a draw taking place.

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