The winless Brisbane Roar host the Newcastle Jets in Round 3 of the W-League.

Once again it has not been the best of starts to a season for the Roar with the Queensland side yet to notch up a point in Season 7 thanks to losses to Perth Glory (1-2) and Sydney FC (1-2).

The Newcastle Jets on the other hand enter the contest buoyed by a promising start with a first ever win over defending champions Melbourne Victory and a fighting 2-1 loss to Perth Glory.

This is a "must win" encounter for the Season 6 grand finalists but unlike it might have been previous seasons, a victory over the Newcastle Jets is not guaranteed.

The Jets this season are nothing like the wooden spooners of Season 6. Led by Emily van Egmond, the Hunter side are better structured, well coached and more resilient as evidenced by their second half fightback against Perth Glory.

The midfield should be a match for the Matildas laden one of the Roar and the defence did a credible job of Glory's front four, holding arguably the most potent forwardline in the league.

The Roar attack will provide yet another challenge for Hayley Crawford, Katherine Reynolds and co with Emily Gielnik in good form (two goals in the 2 matches), Hayley Raso providing the spark up front and Katrine Gorry and Tameka Butt due some goals soon.

Where the home side could potentially hold the edge is the defence v attack. The Jets forwards have struggled to make a big scoreboard impressionin the first two weeks and could again find it difficult with Brooke Spence and Nadine Angerer set to slot into the back line. that already includes the solid Laura Alleway.

While Brisbane are firmly in control in this head to head, this is the first time they enter the contest lower than the Jets on the ladder.

The last time these two sides met was a goalfest with Brisbane coming out the victors 6-2. The home side will be looking for the same result if not for a similar scoreline with the Jets will be putting their Top Four credentials on the table.

Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets

Saturday 27 September 2014

Perry Park, Brisbane

Local kick-off: 4pm

Referee: Katie Patterson

Brisbane Roar squad: 1.Nadine ANGERER, 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Hayley RASO, 7. Kim CARROLL, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Natasha WHEELER, 16. Angela BEARD, 17. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Sunny FRANCO, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)

Ins: Nadine Angerer (returns from international duty), Brooke Spence (returns from injury), Natasha Wheeler (promoted)

Outs: Ayesha Norrie, Teagen Micah (both omitted)

Unavailable: Amy Chapman (knee – one week)

Newcastle Jets squad: 2. Georgia Yeoman-Dale,  3. Hayley Crawford, 4. Ashley Spina, 5. Katherine Reynolds, 6. Angela Salem, 7. Tori Huster, 8. Amber Neilson, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Emily van Egmond, 11. Rhali Dobson, 15. Libby Copus-Brown, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Grace Macintyre, 20. Claire Coelho (GK), 21. Renee Rudder (GK)

Ins: none

Outs: none

Unavailable: Hannah Southwell (overseas)