Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC will both be seeking to kick off 2023 on a positive note when they lock horns at the McDonald Jones Stadium on New Year's Day.
The home side were victorious in their last outing and now go in search of back-to-back wins, while their visitors set out to snap a two-game losing streak.
Match preview
Newcastle Jets just about saw off the threat of Adelaide United courtesy of a 1-0 win in the sides' encounter at the Coopers Stadium on Tuesday.
Arthur Papas's men opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Jaushua Sotirio, and that turned out to be the all-important moment in a hard-fought contest.
Following their most recent triumph, the Jets have now moved up to sixth in the Australian A-League table, a point above the chasing pack in the race for the final playoff spot.
Awaiting them next is the challenge of an opposing outfit with little to choose, as the last 13 editions of this fixture have yielded four wins apiece for either team and five draws.
Having lost consecutive home outings leading up to Sunday's contest, the hosts will be keen to get themselves back to winning ways in front of their fans.
Sydney FC were left red-faced at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday off the back of a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Macarthur FC.
Steve Corica's men fell behind on the stroke of half time to Bachana Arabuli's opener, after which second-half goals from Ulises Davila and Arabuli put the result beyond doubt.
With 10 points amassed from nine games this term, the Sky Blues are 10th in the standings but more importantly, they sit just two points off their next opponents.
Currently on a run of two straight defeats on enemy territory, Sunday's visitors have been underwhelming away from home and need to turn their fortunes around.
Team News
Sydney's Joe Lolley received his marching orders 10 minutes into the second period against Macarthur FC, and he is suspended for this weekend's clash.
As a result, Adrian Segecic is expected to be recalled to the lineup for what would be only a third starting appearance of the season for the Australian.
Jaushua Sotirio ended a run of 13 games without a goal thanks to his strike last time out, and the forward is now aiming to score in two straight matches for the first time in over a year.
Eighteen-year-old Archie Goodwin will miss a third outing in a row as he continues his extended spell on the sidelines through a muscle problem.
Newcastle Jets possible starting lineup:
Duncan; Ingham, Natta, Elsey, Jenkinson; Thurgate, Dartsmelia; Piscopo; Grozos, Sotirio; Mikeltadze
Sydney FC possible starting lineup:
Redmayne, Caballo, Vlastelica, Donachie, Grant; Retre, Yazbek; Mak, Caceres, Segecic; Le Fondre
We say: Newcastle Jets 1-1 Sydney FC
Newcastle Jets have scored the fewest goals in the A-League so far but they will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet against the side with the worst defensive record. We are tipping the teams to match each other over the course of the 90 minutes, resulting in a share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
