Newcastle Jets to swoop on Sydney FC during busy Asian Champions League period
ANDREW Nabbout says the Newcastle Jets are poised to take advantage of Sydney FC’s packed schedule as they look to close the gap on the A-League leaders.
Newcastle Jets
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle Jets. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ANDREW Nabbout says the Newcastle Jets are poised to take advantage of Sydney FC’s packed schedule as they look to close the gap on the A-League leaders.
The Sky Blues are six points clear of the Jets, but their squad will be heavily tested by the upcoming Asian Champions League.
The continental competition begins in less than a month’s time for Sydney and Nabbout says it will be the perfect opportunity to challenge for top spot.
OBSTACLES: EPL hard knocks established Herd mentality
CONFIRMED: Socceroos to face Columbia in friendly
The Jets have already won their last two games at home and, with Wellington Phoenix visiting Newcastle today, are looking to continue their winning momentum.
“It’s another 90 minutes for us to go out and push for three points,” Nabbout said. “Obviously it’s coming to the Champions League and a few teams are going to have a few fixtures crammed in, so it’s our chance to maximise on points until then.
“You want to make this place a fortress and I think we have. The last two games we’ve picked up maximum points here and we’re looking to add to that. These three games were vital in our run towards the end of the season, so three points (today) is the bare minimum.”
While the Jets are hot on Sydney’s heels, Nabbout says the players aren’t focusing too much on the table just yet. Newcastle are on 33 points and their goal tally of 35 is just three less than Sydney’s.
“We’re aiming to be in the top three or four — that was our aim at the start of the season,” Nabbout said. “We are there at the moment, but the season will only get tougher from here. We’re not focused on points, just on each game and by the end of the season we’ll see who is up there.
“But the teams that deserve to be there, are up there now.”
What’s been most impressive about the Jets has been their ability to overcome injuries to key players throughout the season, but the squad will be boosted by the return of their Olyroos.
Joel Champness, Nick Cowburn and new signing Riley McGree are all on their way back to Newcastle after Australia’s unexpected exit from the Asian Under-23 Championship in China.
“The positive is we get three vital players back and it’s up to the gaffer (Ernie Merrick) to see who comes into the squad,” Nabbout said.
“It’s no secret we’ve had injuries, but we’ve made do with what we have. We’ll be even more dangerous when those players are back.”