The 2017/2018 A-League Grand Final rematch will be played at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night with the Newcastle Jets keen to atone for a controversial loss, which left local fans frustrated and upset following a fault in the VAR system.
Melbourne Victory found the back of the net in the ninth minute of the game courtesy of Kosta Barbarouses, however James Donachie was offside when heading the ball to Barbarouses’ advantage. Although obvious to those watching replays at home, the video feed had failed in the thirty seconds leading up to the goal. By the time the video was restored, the game had resumed, which meant the goal stood. To make things worse, the FFA acknowledged the error and failure to correct the issue. Frustrations on field were also witnessed with Jets striker Roy O’Donovan sent off in the final moments of the game when he kicked Victory shot stopper Lawrence Thomas in the face.
It’s been a long six months for Novocastrians to seek revenge, although there have been several changes to the Victory team in the off season, most notably striker Besart Berisha moving to Japan’s J League. The Victory have suffered two defeats on the trot and are searching for their first points of the season. They fought back courageously last week in the 3-2 loss to Perth Glory but are desperately looking for a confidence boost.
The Jets started their season with a loss to Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand and then shared the points with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium last Friday night despite leading early courtesy of a classy touch from Ronald Vargas.
Although both positioned near the bottom of the ladder it promises to be a great spectacle with both teams seeking their first win of the season. The Victory certainly have the key ingredients to win away but The Sporting Base are giving the Newcastle Jets a slight advantage with the expected result 2-1.
What The Coaches Said
Ernie Merrick – “It’s not a revenge game, it’s about taking three points in every match and getting into the finals and taking it from there. I’m not big on this emotional revenge stuff. With the Grand Final last year, you have to accept it. A team wins and a team loses and you can’t dwell on it. You move on and aim to be in the finals and correct that in the Finals.”
Kevin Muscat – “Looking forward to going to Newcastle. What their thoughts on the past is not for me to decide but looking forward to another exciting game. It’s their first home game and it’s our first away game, it gives us the opportunity to get on the road. Our away record and performances over the last 12 months has been very good but we’re going to have to go to Newcastle and earn everything because history doesn’t count for too much. Everything that occurs in the game will have to be earned. That’s certainly our mindset.”
Key Stats
Melbourne Victory have lost just two of their last nine games against Newcastle Jets. Both of those defeats occurred last season.
Newcastle Jets have won three of their last six game at home.
