Wellington Phoenix vs Newcastle Jets Predictions

• Wellington Phoenix lost their first game in ten last weekend, falling 1-0 to Brisbane Roar. Despite this the side still sit in 4th position, 5 points clear of the finals series elimination line.
• Newcastle Jets remain bottom of the league having lost their six game in their last seven to Melbourne City last weekend. They are four points adrift at the foot of the table and would need a minor miracle to qualify for the finals series. They have appointed Carl Robinson as their full time head coach this week however which could have a positive effect.
• Wellington have scored 9 goals in their last six games, scoring two or more in four of those. They’ve conceded just six goals in that same period, an average of exactly one per game.
• Newcastle Jets have conceded 19 goals in their last six games, an average of 3.16 goals per game. They’ve scored just four in that time but have been quite unlucky with 30 shots on target, meaning they’ve converted just 13% of their on target efforts.

Can Wellington Phoenix rise again following first loss in ten?

Wellington Phoenix’s excellent run of form has seen them rise to fourth in the league during a season where not a lot was expected from them. Ufuk Talay has the side playing attractive football too and the emergence of young players into the first team has really increased the positivity around the club. They’ve won six of their last ten matches but last weekend’s loss would’ve been a big blow. Despite this the side probably did enough to take at least a draw but were halted by an incredible goalkeeping display by Jamie Young in the Brisbane goal.

The side haven’t been scoring too many goals but have been consistent in finding the net twice or more in a single game, achieving this feat in eight of their 14 games so far. This combined with a good defensive record, which has seen them concede an average of 1.21 goals per game means they hold a five point advantage over Brisbane Roar in 7th place and their position in the finals series looks healthy. They’ll need to bounce back from their loss last weekend though and they’ve got a great chance against the side bottom of the league.

Will the appointment of Carl Robinson rejuvenate The Jets?

Newcastle Jets have put their faith in the talents of Carl Robinson, who has managed in MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps through his managerial career. There were some criticisms aimed at the defensive nature of Robinson though but that style may be what Newcastle need to stabilise their season. The Jets have now lost six of their last seven, securing a single point during that period and will need a miraculous second half of the season to play finals series football this season.

Newcastle haven’t enjoyed this season at all but can probably count themselves a little unlucky with injuries denying them of all three of their main strikers at various points this season whilst also keeping influential defender, Nigel Boogaard, from the squad for the majority of the year. Without Boogaard their defensive record has been woeful, conceding 29 goals in just 13 games and they’ll be hoping to improve on that record with the new, conservative coach taking charge for the first time.

Will Newcastle jet off with the three points or will Wellington reign once again?

This game is a really interesting one with the appointment of Robinson throwing an unknown into the mix. Prior to that appointment, a Wellington win looked to be on the cards but Newcastle could profit from the ‘new manager bounce’ this weekend if Robinson can get his team firing again. One thing that looks assured is goals however and we’re predicting that this game will see over 2.5 goals as both teams look to put a defeat behind them with some impressive attacking displays.

Predicting a result is a little harder though with Wellington having the better form and home advantage but Newcastle fighting for their lives to avoid the wooden spoon and all trying to impress their new boss. The old problems still exist at Newcastle and we can see them conceding a couple of goals once again this weekend but we’d hope to see a bit more fight from the Jets. With this in mind we’re predicting that this match ends as a high scoring draw and we’re plumping for a 2-2 final result.