Match Time: 3/20/2020 16:30 Friday (GMT+8)
TEAM NEWS
Roar have no new injury concerns with Aaron Amadi-Holloway returning from an ankle problem off the bench in last round’s 1-0 win over Central Coast.
New Jets signing Joe Ledley debuted as a substitute in last round’s 3-0 win at Adelaide and could start.
Brisbane Roar
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jordan Courtney-Perkins (knee)
Newcastle Jets
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Ben Kantarovski (quad), Lachlan Jackson (knee), Noah James (hand)
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Brisbane have managed back-to-back victories to move up to fourth on the table. They’ve been the most improved team in the league since January and are unbeaten in their past six home matches in the A-League.
Newcastle are the most improved team over the past five weeks, coinciding with new coach Karl Robinson’s appointment and the addition of some key players including Ledley, Bernie Ibini-Isei and the fit-again Wes Hoolahan. The Jets are unbeaten across their past six league matches, winning their past two.
It’s hard to split these sides, but Brisbane’s home record is good enough to suggest they won’t lose. I’ll sit on the fence.
SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – HOME WIN
It’s hard to look across the whole season’s statistics given both sides’ recent improvements but it’s worth noting the Jets have trailed at half-time in seven of their 10 away league games. Roar had been sluggish in first halves but have led at the break in their past two home league matches. I’ll back the hosts to lead at the interval.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Newcastle are unbeaten across their past seven meetings with Brisbane in the league, including five wins. The Jets won 6-1 in their last visit to Brisbane in the league in April last year.
