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

The visitors currently sit bottom of the A-League table and have lost their previous three matches which they will be wanting to turn around.

Match preview

Newcastle Jets have been in impressive form as of late which has allowed them to climb up the league table into seventh position.

Their most recent fixture was a close one, but they were able to edge past Macarthur with a one-nil victory, hanging onto the eighth-minute goal that Trent Buhagiar.

That was their second clean sheet in this period, building an impressive defensive record that they will want to continue extending moving forward.

At home the Jets have only conceded nine goals, and that is something that will lead to plenty of confidence in the squad this Saturday.

The hosts will be hoping for an improved performance than the previous meeting between the two teams as that was something that led to a 1-1 draw.

Western United took the lead in that game, but ended up finishing it with 10 men which made it hard for them to take all three points.

The visitors have been struggling as of late as they have gone four matches in a row without picking up a win, with the most recent three all ending in defeat.

Western Service Crew failed to score in two of those fixtures with the most recent resulting in a 3-0 defeat which caused them to sink to the foot of the table.

Western United could change that immediately if they are able to secure their first win since the 21st of January, which would provide a much-needed confidence boost.

However, the Western Service Crew have won just a single game on the road throughout this campaign, and that is something they will need to address.

Newcastle Jets Australian A-League form:

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Western United Australian A-League form:

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Team News

Manabu Saito made another appearance from the bench last week for Newcastle Jets the week after his debut, proving that he is going to be an important member of the team.

Meanwhile, after scoring his fourth goal of the season Buhagiar will be hoping he has done enough to retain his place in the starting XI.

Ben Garuccio could make his return to the Western Service Crew this weekend for the first time since early on in January, with the left back adding more quality to the squad following his calf issue.

Josh Risdon is another player that is back in the matchday squad, but the visitors will be without Rhys Bozinovski as he is away on international duty with Australia's Under 20s.

Newcastle Jets possible starting lineup:

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

Western United possible starting lineup:

Young; Imai, Lacroix, O'Toole, Risdon; Kilkenny, Doumbia; Wales, Troisi, Pain; Botic

We say: Newcastle Jets 2-0 Western United

Western United have struggled away from home this season, and that is likely going to continue in this particular fixture.

Newcastle Jets are in great form at the moment, and that should carry on in this match as it is expected they will take all three points.

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