high-tempo passing game that sees players right across the park sprinting to make space and create passing opportunities for each other. On top of a solid defence and some sensational work by new goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos, the Roar are yet to concede a goal in 2010-11, while the two goals they've scored have been top-notch team efforts.
The Jets often thrive on being the underdog side, particularly in front of their home fans in Newcastle. But they have lost one of their big playmakers from last year in Jin Hyung Song and with Zadkovich and Wheelhouse unavailable for this game, I'm not certain they have enough talent to break down the Roar's so-far impenetrable defence.
Teams:
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Taylor REGAN, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI 7. Kasey WEHRMAN 8. Michael BRIDGES (c), 9. Zhang SHOU, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 14. Labinot HALITI, 15. Sean ROONEY 16. Jeremy BROCKIE, 17. Marcello FIORENTINI, 18. Marko JESIC, 19. Ali ABASS, 40. Matthew NASH
*one to be omitted*
In: Matthew NASH (new signing), Zhang SHOU (returns from injury), Marcello FIORENTINI (promoted)
Out:
Unavailable: Brodie MOOY (not selected), Kaz PATAFTA (hamstring – 1 week), Neil YOUNG (illness – indefinite), Nikolai TOPOR STANLEY (hamstring – 1 week), Ruben ZADKOVICH (hamstring – 1 week), Sash PETROVSKI (not selected), Jobe WHEELHOUSE (hamstring – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 10. HENRIQUE, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VICSCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE, 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK
*three to be omitted*
In: 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO (promoted), 12. Matt MUNDY (promoted), 14. Rocky VISCONTE (promoted), 18. Luke BRATTAN (returns from illness).
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 5. Ivan FRANJIC (quad strain – 1-2 weeks)