1. Be careful what you wish for
Last week Scott Miller got into the mind games by suggesting that Graham Arnold should be getting his team to press more. Arnie took the bait and the result? Territorial dominance for Sydney to the point where the Jets touched the ball just 3 times in the Sky Blues box. Let's see what Scott says to set the agenda tonight.

2. Keepers in the news
Our 5 last week concerned keepers and we just can't keep custodians out of the headlines. We lost Birighitti and Velaphi to sickening head injuries this week so Ben Kennedy gets a chance, but the intrigue is at the other end. Danny Vukovic is seen as an upgrade for the champs but a rather tentative Derby Day has asked down questions.
3. Boogy's Jets the Bogeymen
It's rare for a team to have a winning record over the Victory. And even rarer for it to be the Jets. Yet over the 10 years of the A-League it is the Novocastrians who hold a 14-12 advantage. There's something about Newey that causes Melbourne problems. No matter what the form, this could be a close one.

4. Jets Firepower
Horrible news for the Jets to lose Labinot Haliti for the season. So far the plan has been solidity. In Wellington the team were compact, disciplined and took their chances. Against Sydney unfortunate to have one chalked off but in all honesty they were dominated. Tonight they must show more than a solid structure. Show the fans some excitement. Some thrust.
5. Substitutes a Pain for Newcastle
After a career that appeared to splutter after a promising start, Connor Pain changed the course of last weeks derby after coming on in the second half, setting up Berisha's winner. The quintessential impact player, Pain could hold the key if we enter the last 20 close.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

