Steve Corica’s Sydney FC will make the New Year’s Day trip up to the Hunter to face Newcastle Jets as they look to start 2023 with a win.
Sydney FC have had some mixed form following the resumption of the Isuzu UTE A-League with a win against league leaders Melbourne City at home, before falling short against the Mariners and Bulls in recent weeks.
Last week against the Bulls, Sydney started well but found the going tough after going down to ten men with the dismissal of Joe Lolley. Two second half goals were enough to topple the Sky Blues on Christmas Eve, both goals coming with the man advantage.
After missing Luke Brattan and Max Burgess for last week’s clash with Macarthur they will be welcomed back into the squad this week, with both looking to sure up the midfield. Luke Brattan will take the arm-band from Rhyan Grant who deputised in his absence.
For the Sky Blues they will be without Joe Lolley who was shown a red card and will miss the next two matches.
Newcastle Jets travelled to Adelaide after a heavy period of matches including two F3 Derbies and came away with three points in sweltering conditions in the City of Churches. Jaushua Sotirio found the net in the first half and that was enough for the Jets to hold on and force back the Adelaide resistance.
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A condensed Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s table sees the Jets sit in 6th place after their win over the Reds however this highlights that three points to Sydney FC could see them jump up to 5th place. Corica’s side know that defensive issues are their kryptonite and sit level with Western United on 18 goals conceded from nine matches.
This match provides both teams with the opportunity to rekindle their season after a topsy turvy start with inconsistent results. Whatever happens at McDonald Jones will prove vital to the remainder of the respective seasons.
One to Watch
Beka Mikeltadze – Newcastle Jets
The Georgian midfielder has set the league alight since his arrival in 2021 and he continues to entertain those from the Hunter. Having already scored two goals this season, Mikeltadze is a key player to Arthur Papas and netted against the Mariners in an F3 Derby win at Central Coast Stadium. He has begun to link up well with fellow Georgian Beka Dartsmelia and can be seen floating around the midfield and on the wing. Mikeltadze has only faced Sydney FC once which came last season in a 2-2 draw at Kogarah. This time around, he will be dangerous and one Sydney FC must watch.
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Max Burgess – Sydney FC
The creative midfielder has been playing on the wing this season and after beginning each of the first six matches from the bench prior to the FIFA World Cup break, Burgess has forced his way into the starting side following a strong performance against Celtic. Picking up a man of the match against City, he was hampered by the concussion he received against the Mariners which also appeared to deflate his side as they fell to a 2-1 loss. Missing the Bulls match due to concussion protocols, Burgess may force his way back into the team following the suspension of Joe Lolley as he looks to create more from the wing.
Expect another big 90 minutes from the play-maker in the Hunter, as he faces his former club.
Match Details
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round Ten
Sunday 1st January 2023
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick Off: 3pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount +
Tickets: Click Here
