06-07-new-bne-prevNewcastle welcomes the Brisbane Roar to town this Saturday with both sides hoping a change of year signals a change in fortunes.

Round 7 saw the Newcastle Jets defeated by the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Match of the Round with the visitors unlucky not to get on the scoreboard at the very least.

The Jets, despite not yet registering a win this season, are showing positive signs in the front third however defence continues to be their problem.

Brisbane Roar overcame a half time goal deficit to gain a much welcomed point against Sydney FC at home with their leading striker Hayley Raso levelling the scores early in the second half.

Despite peppering the Sky Blues defence late, the Roar were unable to further breakdown the Sydney wall.

Newcastle have been improving each week.

Their performance against Canberra was their best yet and they put in a reasonable showing in scorching heat against the Wanderers at Penrith Stadium last week. Both sides could be excused for not showing their full potential that day however with the temperature getting above 41 degrees.

There were some positive periods for Newcastle once again and with some luck the result could have been different. Rhali Dobson was the stand out once again for Newcastle creating chances and what looked like a penalty that on another day could have been given. The Jets will look to her again, and with support from Jasmin Courtenay, as an attacking outlet this week.

Defender Ashley Spina and striker Hannah Beard will both have extra motivation as they take on their former side for the first time.  In some more positive news for the Jets, striker Grace Macintyre is set to return this weekend after being sidelined with a knee injury since round 1.

Surprisingly looking better on the road than at home, the Roar have a good away record this season winning all three of their games. They will be looking to get their season back on track after a shock home loss to Adelaide United and a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC to round out 2013.

Brisbane have plenty of pace and firepower with the likes of striker Haley Raso and central midfielder Katrina Gorry leading the goal scoring for the Roar with the rest being equally shared around with Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt and Clare Polkinghorne sitting on one each.

Despite loosing influential striker Amy Chapman to an ACL injury, the Roar have plenty of options to fill the void up front with the likes of Joanne Burgess coming into consideration for a start. This firepower combined with the dangerous crossing from Kellond-Knight and Polkinghorne will mean another stern test for the Newcastle defence.

The Roar enjoy the trip to the Hunter, winning all five of their meetings.  The last time these two sides met was at the same venue with the Brisbane Roar forced to come back twice before captain Clare Polkinghorne scored the game winner in the 80th minute to give the visitors a 3-2 win.

Head to Head: Played 7, Newcastle 1, Brisbane 5, Draw 1

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar

Saturday 4 January 2014

Wanderers Oval, Newcastle

Local kick-off: 2pm

Newcastle Jets squad:  1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 4. Siahn Bozanic, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 11. Grace McIntyre, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 15. Libby Copus-Brown, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Lauren Brown, 18. Clare Wheeler, 20. Claire Coelho (gk) (two to be omitted)

Ins: Grace Macintyre (returns from injury), Sophie Nenadovic, 15. Libby Copus-Brown (both promoted)

Outs: Adriana Jones (omitted)

Unavailable: Maddy Searl (knee – season)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Nadine ANGERER (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Kim CARROLL, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Natasha WHEELER, 15. Brooke GOODRICH, 16. Hayley RASO, 18. Sunny FRANCO, 20. Kate STEWART (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Brooke Goodrich, Natasha Wheeler (both promoted), Laura Alleway (returns from suspension)

Outs: Amy Chapman (knee – season), Emily Gielnik (quad – one week)