The hosts have experienced a mini-resurgence under their new English manager but they will welcome a championship challenger to McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle Jets will be aiming to keep their slim chances of an A-League finals appearance alive as they host Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday night.
With the competition going behind closed doors and having its schedule altered heavily because of the coronavirus outbreak, both teams will be playing their second match in three days.
The Jets were on a six-game unbeaten run until Friday night’s 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar – with new manager Carl Robinson suffering his first defeat in charge of the club – and despite being in ninth position, can still make the finals with five matches to play.
More teams
City are sitting comfortably in second spot on the standings with a finals berth all but sewn up after a 4-2 thumping of cellar-dwellers Central Coast Mariners on Friday also.
Newcastle United vs Melbourne City Latest Odds
With their higher ladder position, Melbourne City are favourite in bet365’s market to get the three points at 11/8 (2.37) as they steam toward the finals with their eyes on a maiden championship.
For the Jets to resume their winning form and keep their finals hopes alive, 15/8 (2.87) is being offered.
While City might be happy to settle for a draw – which can be backed at 5/2 (3.50) – it’s the home side’s best interests to push for the three points.
Newcastle United vs Melbourne City Team News
Melbourne City are missing two central defenders indefinitely as both Richard Windbichler (hamstring) and Jack Hendry (knee) are suffering ongoing issues.
Two defensive-minded players are also absent for the Jets, with Ben Kantarovski and Lachlan Jackson both likely to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Newcastle United vs Melbourne City Preview
Newcastle have improved significantly since Robinson arrived as their new coach – and were on a six-game unbeaten run until being beaten by Brisbane.
The recent signings of Joe Ledley and Roy O’Donovan provided a boost to the squad depth, while Wes Hoolahan’s return from injury has given the team some class.
City look primed to be the best challenger to stop Sydney FC going back-to-back, but games like this are ones that they have dropped in the past.
Striker Jamie Maclaren is currently leading the A-League golden boot competition with 18 goals, after going ahead of Sky Blue poacher Adam Le Fondre (16) with a hat-trick against the Mariners.
Newcastle United vs Melbourne City Tips and Predictions
With the result seemingly up in the air, backing Maclaren to score at anytime looks to be a strong option, considering he has found the back of the net on average every 92 minutes this season.
The Australian striker also takes the team’s penalties and the odds of 5/6 (1.83) for him to score at anytime look to be overpriced.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Jamie Maclaren to score at anytime at 5/6 (1.83)
Click Here: cheap all stars rugby jersey