Friday Five: Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets

Ahead of the Friday night A-League Round 4 match between Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets, which can be seen LIVE and FREE on SBS 2 from 7:30pm AEDT, we bring you five things to look out for when the teams take the pitch at AAMI Park.

Bruno Fornaroli and Aaron Mooy have been hot for City this season wjile David Carney has been red hot for the Jets Source: Getty Images

1. More Mooy mastery?

“The best and most exciting player in the A-League” – Australia coach Ange Postecoglou.

It’s a glowing endorsement for the Melbourne City playmaker, who has developed in leaps and bounds since the move south.

When he plays well, City play well and containing him is not simple.  He is an influence across the whole pitch and the Jets will need a plan.

2. Carney to pull the Jets strings

He’s the feel good comeback story of the year. Despite being capped 48 times for the Socceroos, Carney was discarded last season but given another chance and he's grabbing it with two hands. 

Carney has featured in three different positions in three games and he's been just about the Jets best in each game. 

Carney is the creator and must have an influence against the make-shift City fullbacks if the Jets are tp get out of Melbourne with anything.

3. Fornaroli and Trifunovic to pose the questions

The unheralded Uruguayan has begun his Melbourne life well, and is a classic number 9.  He is a focal point for City, who play off and around him.

Last week against the Mariners, he spent most of his time stationed between the back four and the holding midfielder, in that case Nick Montgomery. 

The Jets employ two deep-lying holders who play very centrally.  If they both stick to Fornaroli, then Scott Miller’s boys run the risk of not seeing much of the ball.

At the other end, Milos Trifunovic got into great positions against the Victory but spurned the chances.  He needs to fire for the Jets to soar.

4. The City Crowd

Season two of the project and the first real test of the appetite of the City faithful.

The first of five Friday night matches structured around the start and end of the season, to maximise the "quieter" times in Melbourne, City kicked off in front of nearly 8,500 last Sunday, 2,000 below their Season 10 average. 

They need to hit five figures tonight.

5. The Comeback kids

It was great to see Corey Gameiro return off the bench last week, one of a huge number of players John van Schip and his team are missing.

Jacob Melling had a positive impact too. They are still missing Aaron Hughes, Ivan Franjic, Michael Zullo, Robert Koren and Harry Novillo, so again the young boys will be given a chance.

For the Jets, could Mark Birighitti make his return after sustaining horrendous facial injuries against Sydney FC? Coach Scott Miller has a decision to make with Ben Kennedy faultless last week in the win over the defending champions.