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

The visitors currently find themselves in third place in the A-League table at the moment, and a victory here could see them leapfrog Western Sydney Wanderers above them if they fail to win.

Match preview

Despite Manabu Saito getting on the scoresheet in the second half last weekend Newcastle Jets suffered a 2-1 loss against Wellington Phoenix.

That was a game the team will be hoping to put behind them, especially after being beaten by Western United in the previous round.

A big problem for Newcastle Jets has been finding the back of the net as only two teams have scored fewer than them in the league.

The Jets have been stronger playing at home though regarding offensive play and general results, which should push some confidence into the team this time.

When the two teams met earlier this season it was Newcastle Jets who took all three points in a game that featured just a single goal, and a repeat of that would be welcomed.

However, with the visitors currently sitting third placed they will be confident that they can change things around this time as they look to keep pushing for the title.

A victory could move Adelaide United into second place if other results go their way while ensuring they keep the pressure on the league leaders.

Considering the fact that they are undefeated in their previous eight matches there is no shortage of belief surrounding the team that they can go on and get another positive result.

Last weekend they were at their absolute best when defeating the league leaders 4-2, handing them only their third defeat of the entire campaign.

Even though they conceded in the ninth minute of the game, Adelaide United reacted positively with all four of their goals coming in the second half to showcase their attacking qualities.

Newcastle Jets Australian A-League form:

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Adelaide United Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Beka Mikeltadze and Callum Timmins have both been brought back into the Newcastle Jets matchday squad ahead of this weekend, which could see them push into the starting lineup.

The standard 4-4-2 that the hosts have been displaying recently is something that could end up taking place again to provide protection at the back against an offensively capable team.

Even though the visitors have been dominant in their performances as of late, Adelaide United have a lengthy list of injury problems to deal with right now.

Harry Van Der Saag, George Blackwood, Josh Cavallo, Juande and Steven Hall are all on the shelf at the moment and will not be able to feature this time around.

Newcastle Jets possible starting lineup:

Duncan; Hoffman, Jenkinson, Jurman, Ingham; Buhagiar, Thurgate, Al-Taay, Sotirio; Mikeltadze, Grozos

Adelaide United possible starting lineup:

Gauci; Lopez, Barr, Popovic, Kitto; D'Arrigo, Alagich; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Ibusuki

We say: Newcastle Jets 0-2 Adelaide United

Newcastle Jets might boast the home advantage this weekend, but it will be the visitors most people consider the favourites.

Adelaide United are enjoying a fantastic run of form right now, and fresh after comfortably defeating the league leaders this should be another chance for them to pick up three points.

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