Melbourne vs Newcastle: Blockbuster at the Dome!

By: Daniel | August 28th, 2008

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets
Friday 29 August 29, Kick-Off 8pm AEST
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
Referee. Mark Shield

The Match of the Round is tonights clash at the (hopefully packed out) Telstra Dome between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets. After killing off Wellington 4-2, the Victory will be confident with their current strike-force and will be additionally confidant after the return from injury of Archie Thompson. The lethal partnership between Danny Allsopp and Brazilian strike partner Ney Fabiano came together perfectly in that game and will be looking to build on that relationship in front of their home crowd with Archie most likely coming off the bench as he works on his fitness issues. Michael Theoklitos also returns in this game from injury and brings with him added assurance at the back.

With two draws in two matches, Newcastle hasn’t had quite the start of the Victory but that doesn’t mean they have been playing badly.. they’ve actually played very well but have had to steal two draws in the final minutes. Extra attacking firepower is needed and Danish midfielder Jesper Hakansson is back from injury to hopefully supply just that. What is interesting is the fact that former Victory youngster Kaz Patafta has been omitted from this tie. Would’ve loved to have seen how he would have faired against his old club since he wasn’t given much of a chance by Earnie Merrick, but it could be much of the same at the Jets… could be be slightly overrated?

Melbourne needs to push all the way with its strike force to make sure they can get a healthy lead against the never say die Jets. Lopez and Hernandez are forming a brilliant Costa-Rican partnership in the midfield which will help feed the strikers and compose the team when need be. The Jets will welcome the inclusions of Jesper and Hoffman back into the squad to add what they have been lacking.

Prediction: Melbourne look like they are on a high and with plenty of quality to take off the bench, i think they will be too strong a relatively new Jets squad who are yet to find their feet.

Melbourne Victory Squad: 1. Michael Theoklitos (gk), 2. Kevin Muscat (Captain), 3. Michael Thwaite, 4. Steven Pace, 7. Matthew Kemp, 8. Grant Brebner, 9. Danny Allsopp, 10. Archie Thompson, 11. Ney Fabiano, 12. Rodrigo Vargas, 14. Billy Celeski, 15. Tom Pondeljak, 16. Carlos Hernandez, 17. Jose Luis Lopez, 18. Leigh Broxham, 19. Evan Berger, 20. Mitchell Langerak (gk).
*Two to be omitted.

In. Michael Theoklitos, Archie Thompson.
Out. Tommi Tomich (omitted).
Unavailable. Daniel Vasilevski (hip - 1 week), Nick Ward (calf - 1 week), Nathan Elasi (National U/20 duties), Sebastian Ryall (National U/20 duties).

Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Ante Covic, 2. Adam Griffiths, 3. Jade North, 5. James Holland, 6. Jesper Hakansson, 8. Matt Thompson, 9. Joel Griffiths, 10. Jin-Hyung Song, 11. Tarek Elrich, 12. Jobe Wheelhouse, 13. Adam Dapuzzo, 15. Jason Hoffman, 16. Ben Kantarovski, 18. Noel Spencer, 20. Ben Kennedy, 23. Edmundo Zura.
*one to be omitted.

In. 15 Jason Hoffman (returns from Qantas Young Socceroos duties), 6. Jesper Hakansson (returns from injury).
Out. 7. Kaz Patafta (not selected).
Unavailable. 14 Shaun Ontong (ankle - indefinite).