Queensland’s start to the season has been less than impressive with only one win in the first five rounds. This is in stark contrast to the Jets who find themselves third on the table and playing some attractive football. The Jets were pre-season favourites until Sydney landed Dwight Yorke.

After failing to break down the Adelaide defence in the opening round, they went unbeaten in the next three rounds including an impressive away draw against the Mariners and an equally impressive victory over Sydney at home. They then posted the biggest win of the A League so far in thumping New Zealand 4-0.

In goal for the Jets is likely to be Liam Reddy, who is an ever present so far this season. Reddy has been one of the stand-out keepers so far this season as demonstrated in his excellent one-on-one save from Archie Thompson in the loss to the Victory.

The defence is likely to be marshaled by veteran Ned Zelic who has returned to Australia after 13 years abroad in Europe and Japan. Zelic has been one of Australia’s best exports, winning a Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund in 1995 and the European cup in the following year. Zelic is the captain of the Jets.

One of Newcastle’s less heralded players is former Watford player, Richard Johnson. Johnson is a key player in the holding role in midfield but can get forward and score goals as seen against Sydney when he got he match winner. Seo will have to be alert to his forward runs.

Nick Carle is one of their promising youngsters and plays wide on the left. He had a season abroad with Troyes although wasn’t particularly successful. He has since gone onto make his debut for Australia.

Leading the attack is Ante Milicic, the Jets leading scorer with 2 goals. Milicic has also had experience abroad in Malaysia although most of his career was in the old NSL.

The Roar are almost certain to be without Brownlie who has succumbed to a virus. Matt McKay is back from suspension and there is talk of Tyler Simpson making his debut off the bench in the place of Reece Tollenaere.

This is a must win game for the Roar to stop their season sliding away from them. There have already been calls for coach, Miron Bleiberg’s head amongst fans and a win would go a long way to helping strengthen his position.

Season To Date

Rd 1 (H) vs Adelaide United     L 0-1   Att: 13,160

Rd 2 (A) vs Central Coast Mariners      D 1-1   Att:  5,917

Rd 3 (H) vs Sydney FC                        W 2-1  Att:  9,127

Rd 4 (H) vs NZ Knights                       W 4-0  Att:  7,495

Rd 5 (A) vs Melbourne Victory            L 0-1   Att: 13,831

Leading Scorer: Milicic (2)