Preview: Newcastle Jets vs. Melbourne Victory - prediction, team news, lineups

Melbourne Victory will be continuing to push to get off the foot of the A-League table this weekend when they travel to face Newcastle Jets.

While the visitors head into the game on the back of a 3-1 win, the hosts are currently undefeated in their previous four matches.

Match preview

Newcastle Jets may not have lost a game in their previous four matches, but that period has only seen them win once which is something that they will be hoping to turn around.

In fact, the 4-0 win against Brisbane Roar remains the only time that the Jets have won a match since the turn of the year.

Newcastle Jets shared the points with Perth Glory last weekend in a four-goal thriller, but the team left it extremely late as Archie Goodwin came off the bench to score an 88th-minute equaliser.

The result helped the club into eighth place, but that is something they have only clung on to via goal difference and they will be hoping to strengthen or improve upon that position moving forward.

However, they will require a vastly improved performance than the one they put on the last time they competed against Melbourne Victory as the Jets lost that one 4-0.

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That was one of only four games that the visitors have won all season, and with four different goalscorers, it ended up being an impressive performance for the team.

While Melbourne Victory have been struggling overall throughout the season, they do head into this weekend on the back of a victory which will provide plenty of confidence for the team.

Tony Popovic's men came from a goal behind to showcase their fighting ability by defeating Wellington Phoenix 3-1 in the end, which was a crucial three points.

Goals from Bruno Fornaroli, Jack Brimmer and Tomi Juric proved to make the difference in that match, and that has provided the team with a chance of pushing off the foot of the table this Saturday.

Melbourne Victory sit just two points behind both Western United and Brisbane Roar right now, showcasing just how vital a win could be this time around.

Team News

Goodwin could be looking to earn a place in the team from the first whistle this time around after he made an impact from the bench by scoring an equaliser.

Phillip Cancar and Thomas Aquilina are both unavailable this weekend but Mark Natta has been brought into the squad heading into this fixture.

Following a victory last weekend it would not be a surprise to see Melbourne Victory use the exact same starting XI to try and continue their momentum.

The experience of former Manchester United winger Nani is something that the visitors will be hoping to see return soon, but he still remains an injury concern.

Newcastle Jets possible starting lineup:

Duncan; Ingham, Jenkinson, Jurman, McGarry; Al-Taay; Thurgate, Piscopo, Stynes, Sotirio; Mikeltadze

Melbourne Victory possible starting lineup:

Acton; Geria, Bozinovski, Spiranovic, Smith; Brillante, Broxham; Velupillay, Brimmer, Folami; Kamau

We say: Newcastle Jets 1-1 Melbourne Victory

Newcastle Jets will be the firm favourites in the eyes of many, but they have struggled to get over the line to secure victories as of late.

Considering the fact that the visitors head into the game with momentum behind them, they could push the hosts to a draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.