Saturday afternoon has the potential to write Sydney FC into the history books. No team has ever won three Premier Plates. If the Sky Blues claim all three points this weekend, they can change that, winning their third consecutive plate and their fifth in the history of the competition.
In their way are the Newcastle Jets who are in a battle of their own as they look to avoid the wooden spoon with Wellington Phoenix one point behind them. Should Sydney FC be successful, they will also be the first team to lift a trophy at the redeveloped Allianz Stadium.
For Sydney FC, the equation is pretty simple, three points secures them the plate and takes it away from the chasing Western United. Should Sydney lose or draw then it depends on the results in Melbourne between Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
For the full permutations of the Premiers Plate race, click here.
Sydney FC come into this clash full of confidence after they dominated Perth Glory on Wednesday night. 4-2 was the score line, however it could have been much more. Cortnee Vine was up to her usual tricks and was involved in three of the four goals, scoring one and assisting two. The other goal also heavily involved the winger and she is in fine form as the squad prepare for finals football once again.
Indiana Dos Santos got onto the scoresheet on Wednesday night, becoming the club’s youngest ever goal scorer at 15 years and 170 days. She has been keeping Shay Hollman out of the starting eleven and after her performance during the week, looks likely to retain her spot.
Ante Juric’s girls appear to have their mojo back after a couple of rough results as they were struggling with injuries but after sweeping aside Adelaide United and Perth in the space of a couple of days, are looking to claim the scalp of Newcastle Jets next.
It is welcoming to see that the goals have been shared across the front three and Madison Haley while returning from injury is still able to contribute in front of goal after she netted the third and important goal against Glory.
Sydney have not been goal shy as of late, scoring eleven goals in their last five matches and this should be of concern to Newcastle Jets who have conceded on average 2.5 goals against Sydney FC in the last eight meetings between the sides.
The Jets picked up a crucial three points against Wellington Phoenix last weekend with Cass Davis scoring her first ever Liberty A-League goal in her 127th appearance. That proved to be the winner in a topsy turvy match which saw teams trade goals back and forth throughout the afternoon.
Jets have failed to win back to back games in the league this season and have won two of their last six games, losing to Perth Glory, Western United and Melbourne City in that time. If they were to lose this weekend and Wellington win their match, Newcastle will finish bottom of the table.
The previous meeting last season was unbelieveable as Sydney FC raced out to a 3-0 lead after 7 minutes being one of the quickest starts in Liberty A-League history, however credit to Newcastle Jets who fought back and made it interesting with the match finishing 4-2 in the Hunter.
This time around, Sydney will be happy to have Jada Whyman in net as she had a broken finger during the previous meeting and the only absentee for this clash will be Charlotte McLean who is almost back following her broken cheekbone.
Overall, Sydney FC hold the ascendancy in this fixture having met 27 times previously and winning 18 of these with the Jets only winning five. The Sky Blues have scored 55 goals against the Jets and will be looking to increase that figure as they hunt for another Premiers Plate.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
Liberty A-League Round 20
Saturday 1st April 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:45pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
