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Having already won the premiership, Melbourne take on Newcastle Jets, who currently sit at the bottom of the table. City are the favorites to win this game, but the visitors have a history of disappointing them in their first encounter of this season.
Patrick Kisnorbo, who was promoted as the head coach for City in September, has done an exceptional job. They are 11 games unbeaten in a row and also have qualified for the 2022 AFC Champions League group stage, where they play against Cerezo Osaka.
They lifted the 2020-21 Premiership after winning 1-0 against Central Coast Mariners. So far, City have scored the most number of goals this season (55), 15 more than the team right behind them, which exemplifies the quality of football they are playing this season.
Newcastle Jets started their season with a defeat against CCM in The F3 derby, and since then, the story has been more or less the same. They have managed to win just three games out of the 23 games they have played this season. They have struggled in the recent past without a win for 14 games. Their last win came against Melbourne Victory. In their last game, they failed to capitalize on an own goal gifted by Jay O’Shea and lost the game 1-2 at home, which saw them move to the bottom of the table.
As things stand, City are on top of the table with 48 points from 23 games this season. They have won the premiership and have also qualified for the AFC Champions League. However, they will look to continue their form going into the final series. On the contrary, the Jets are on the bottom of the table with just 14 points from 23 games this season. Craig Deans would wish to finish the season on a higher note by winning the remaining games. Winning against the champions as they already did will boost their confidence going into the remaining games.
Injuries and suspensions
Nathaniel Atkinson and Andrew Nabbout miss out for City due to long-term hamstring and adductor injury, respectively. Ben Kantarovski is a long-term absentee for the jets due to a calf injury. Luka Prso and Tete Yengi miss out due to shoulder and foot injury, respectively and are expected to be back soon.
Key Players
Jamie Maclaren is having the season of his life, with 25 goals and five assists to his name. The 27-year-old Aussie has scored 20+ goals for the second consecutive season in a row and is expected to score again in this game.
Craig Noone has scored six goals and assisted eight times this season. : The English midfielder also scored the winning goal against the Mariners, which helped City lift the trophy. His chemistry with Jamieson will be a key factor heading into the game.
The 35-year-old Irish forward Roy O’Donovan: has been one of the key players for the Jets with six goals this season. However, four of his goals have come through penalties. In a game like this, a player with such composure could be key.
Rejuvenated forward Valentino Yuel lifted Jets in their first encounter against City this season with a close-range finish after Thurgate’s header bounced back off the post. This was also his last goal this season, and he will hope to increase his tally in the coming game.
Head-to-head
Last 5 matches: Melbourne City FC – 3 wins, Newcastle Jets – 2 wins.
Prediction
City who have been exceptional this season are not very far away from the Jets when it comes to head-to-head. However, City’s attack has been exceptional and ruthless in contrast to the Jets, who have scored just 19 goals this season, the lowest among all teams. They have just three clean sheets in 23 games and have conceded 36 goals. City are the obvious favorites heading into the game, but if the Jets manage to find a lead through Donovan or Yuel, they should look to secure it with all they have. With no promotion or relegation, there isn’t much pressure on Newcastle, and they should look to play their natural game.
