Match details
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+, Network 10
Preview
Melbourne Victory can break a Club record when it makes the trip to Newcastle to face the Jets in the Isuzu UTE A-League on Saturday night.
Victory is unbeaten in 10 league games after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Tuesday.
Tony Popovic’s side had its chances, particularly early on, but was forced to settle for a point against Brisbane.
That result also marked a fourth straight clean sheet for Victory, which was again largely untroubled defensively.
But the 10-match unbeaten run in the league also equalled a Club record – also managed previously in 2007 and 2014 – and it will be broken if Victory avoids defeat in Newcastle.
Victory will be without Jake Brimmer for the trip after the midfielder was ruled out through concussion protocols following a collision late in the draw with Brisbane.
Matt Spiranovic, who was rested against the Roar, is set to return in a further boost to Victory’s defence.
Victory sits third on the table, three points behind second-placed Western United, with five regular-season games remaining.
Ahead of the trip to McDonald Jones Stadium, Victory is unbeaten in its past four games away to the Jets.
Player in focus
Already enjoying an excellent season, Jason Geria could make some history of his own on Saturday night. The right-back is one appearance away from his 128th in the league for Victory, a milestone which would put him in outright fifth on the Club’s all-time list – behind only Leigh Broxham (355), Archie Thompson (224), Adrian Leijer (176) and Rodrigo Vargas (139).
Last time
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 Round 14
Melbourne Victory 1-2 Newcastle Jets
Saturday, February 12, 2022
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Brimmer’s goal on the stroke of half-time had given Victory a deserved lead when the teams met in February.
But Josh Brillante’s red card early in the second half turned the contest before Valentino Yuel equalised and Beka Mikeltadze scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.
Head to head
Round 14, 2021/22: Victory 1-2 Jets at AAMI Park
Round 16, 2020/21: Jets 1-2 Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium
Round 9, 2020/21: Victory 0-1 Jets at AAMI Park
Round 20, 2019/20: Jets 1-1 Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium
Round 13, 2019/20: Victory 4-0 Jets at AAMI Park
