Match Time: 3/15/2020 15:20 Sunday (GMT+8)
TEAM NEWS
Adelaide will hope to have Ben Halloran back from injury, while Ryan Strain and Stefan Mauk returned in last round’s 5-1 home loss to Western Utd.
New recruit Joe Ledley is available to debut in a major boost. New signing Bernie Ibini and fit-again Wes Hoolahan made a huge impact off the bench last time out in their 2-1 win over Perth and could push to start.
Adelaide Utd
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Al Hassan Toure (foot), Pacifique Niyongabire (adductor), Nathan Konstandopoulos (knee)
Newcastle Jets
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Ben Kantarovski (quad), Lachlan Jackson (knee), Noah James (hand)
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
The Reds have slumped outside the top six into seventh following their third consecutive defeat, a heavy home hammering to Western Utd which has compounded the pressure on coach Gertjan Verbeek. Adelaide have actually lost four of their past five league matches. The good news is they’ve won three of their past four home matches in the league.
Tenth-placed Newcastle enjoyed the bye last round but prior to that had commenced a good run of form under new boss Karl Robinson. The Jets are unbeaten across their past five league matches, collecting nine points along the way, which is a massive change in fortunes after going eight league games without a win.
It’s worth noting four of the Jets’ past five games have been at home and they’ve actually claimed one point in their past six away matches, but confidence is up under their new coach. Adelaide’s home form is solid enough to believe they can reverse their run. They’re yet to draw a game this season, but I feel this may be the day.
SECOND PREDICTION: HILO: HIGH
Adelaide’s matches produce the most goals of any in the A-League, with 3.65 on average per game. Only three times all season has there been less than 2.5 goals scored in an Adelaide match, while they’ve shipped 12 in their past three. The Jets have scored eight times in their past four league games, so I’m expecting fireworks.
