Auckland FC fan Jonno Ross shares his thoughts on what to expect from the visit of the Newcastle Jets.
AUCKLAND FC vs. NEWCASTLE JETS
Go Media Stadium, Sunday, November 30th, 3pm
It will be one year to the day since AFC played Newcastle Jets at Go Media Stadium. The weather was atrocious, with the rain absolutely pelting down, yet the fans showed up in surprisingly good numbers for such bad weather.
Auckland dominated the game in front of just over 13,000 fans, but couldn’t find the net in the first half, despite creating several opportunities to put the game to bed.
It wasn’t until the 83rd minute that Auckland made the breakthrough. Neyder Moreno got the goal, with Francis de Vries sealed the points six minutes later. The game finished 2-0 to Auckland.
We could be in for a bit of deja vu this weekend; however, Corica’s men will be rubbing their hands come match day – Newcastle have the A League’s worst defence in the competition, having shipped 14 goals in just 5 games. Auckland’s attack will look to pounce on any weaknesses in Newcastle’s back line to get the job done on Sunday.
Compared to this time last season, Auckland FC are in a similar position. At this stage last year, they had 12 points from 4 games. This time around, they have 11 points from 5 games.
After looking a little lethargic in last weekend’s game against Brisbane, AFC will look at this game to be the catalyst to really kick their season into gear, and head into the NZ derby on a high when they face the Wellington Phoenix the following week.
The table is congested in the top half of the league. A win for Auckland could take them to the top of the league (depending on other results). A loss could see them drop as low as 6th, come the end of Sunday night.
The Newcastle Jets won’t be happy with how their season is shaping up so far. Their loss to Perth Glory last weekend was their third loss in a row, which sent them to the bottom of the table.
Unsurprisingly, having the worst defence in the league means they also have the worst goal difference in the league, but don’t write them off.
Newcastle can be a threat if they shore up their defence. They average just about two goals a game, compared to Auckland, who average just over one.
Newcastle’s only win of the season came against Melbourne Victory in round two, where they won 5-2. When you are sitting at the foot of the table, every game is a must-win, which makes them a danger to any team they come up against. They are looking to turn their season around, but they know it won’t be easy – the last time Newcastle won in New Zealand was over 2 years ago, when they beat the Phoenix 3-0 in 2023.
So much to play for in this one, the home team is fighting to go to the top of the table, and the away team is fighting to move up the table.
This game has all the ingredients to be a cracker, do not miss it!
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Corica demanded much more of his players after last week’s draw against the Roar. There were mitigating circumstances with injuries, suspensions and the international boys’ late return from the USA, all playing their part.
Lachie Brook scored last weekend with a pearler of a free kick against Brisbane. No doubt he’ll be hungry for more after scoring one, and will look to take advantage of the Jets’ leaky defence to add to his tally for the season.
Refreshed after his sudden but not undeserved trip with the All Whites, Jesse Randall will look to add goals after impressing in the opening rounds of the campaign. Paul Ifill, Randall’s former coach and mentor, says, “There’s so much more to come from Randall; we’ve not seen anywhere near his full potential.” High praise for our winger, and exciting to see Jesse continue his recent form on Sunday afternoon.
Alexander Badoleto has gone quiet since his hat-trick against Melbourne Victory back in round 2. Our lads need to be wary of him this week – it’s now been just over a month since his last goal. Newcastle’s leading goal scorer will be itching to get back on the scoresheet to help his side climb their way up the league ladder.
FUN AT GO MEDIA STADIUM
If you’re heading to the game on Sunday, you can expect loads of fun as usual with the entertainment on offer. There is the iconic slide, a halftime baby race, a giant pass the parcel, and a VIP visitor all the way from the North Pole – Santa! And he’s bringing his elves!
Bring the family along to what promises to be a great day out, see you there!
