Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Sunday morning, April 6, the 25th round A-League match between Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix will take place. The game kicks off at 9:00 AM Central European Time, and I'm offering you a bet on the winner of this clash.
Newcastle Jets vs Wellington Phoenix: match facts and head-to-head encounters
- Newcastle Jets have not won in their last two matches: one draw and one loss.
- Wellington Phoenix have been unable to win in eight consecutive matches: four losses and four draws.
- Wellington has lost three of their last four away matches.
- Newcastle Jets have scored at least one goal in 15 consecutive matches.
- Wellington has conceded at least one goal in their last eight encounters.
- Currently, Wellington Phoenix have the second-worst attack in the A-League, with only 21 goals scored.
- Newcastle Jets win 19% of their matches with a clean sheet, while Phoenix lose the same percentage without scoring.
- The last meeting between these teams ended with a 2-1 victory for Phoenix. In the last five head-to-head matches, Wellington won three times, and Jets once.
Newcastle Jets vs Wellington Phoenix: match preview
Newcastle Jets are currently outside the playoff zone but still have a decent chance of getting there. After 21 rounds, the team has 26 points. They are seven points away from the sixth spot, with five regular season matches remaining – the chances are quite real. However, their current form leaves much to be desired: no wins in the last two matches – one draw and one loss. In their last five matches, Jets have won twice. However, in their most recent home game, the team suffered a heavy defeat – 2-6.
Wellington Phoenix are in an even more difficult position than the Jets. The team hasn't won in eight consecutive matches: four draws and four losses. Moreover, Wellington has failed to keep a clean sheet in 15 consecutive encounters. The team has the second-worst attack in the A-League – 21 goals scored, only one club has fewer. After 21 rounds, Phoenix have 21 points and are 12 points behind the sixth spot. With five games left in the regular season, Wellington's chances for the quarterfinals are already gone.
Probable lineups
- Newcastle Jets: Oluwayemi, Sutton, Payne, Piper, Sheridan, Kelly-Heald, Brook-Smith, Chico Geraldes, Nagasawa, Ishige, Barbarouses
- Wellington Phoenix: James, Shushnyar, Chanchar, Akilina, Wilmering, Ingham, Grozos, Timmins, Adams, Bayliss, Rose
Prediction
Wellington has already lost their playoff chances, which means their motivation will be minimal – unlike Newcastle Jets. The home team will be highly motivated, and I believe they will do everything possible to win. My bet is on a Jets victory with odds of 1.71.
