Newcastle United Jets

After losing the Grand Final in 2017/18 Jets had dreadful campaign a year later that didn’t even see them compete for the play-offs in the last 2 months of the season. Much poorer defensive efficiency, awful conversion rate and injury issues were all reasons why Merrick’s men were unable to sustain the level of football they showed just 2 years ago. Merrick remains in charge though and the A-League coach with most wins to his name also kept fate in his squad with only 3 regulars leaving in the summer. Jets are still on the hunt for new centre forward and it is certain that 1 will be signed very soon. At the minute the only 2 strikers are Sheppard and recently signed Panamese Arroyo. The latter is interesting player that at least back in his home land was scoring goals at will. Undoubtedly a lot will depend on how effective the main playmaker Dimi Petratos will be. He will be the main set piece taker and also playing in the key number ten role. This season he will be getting support from the 37-year-old veteran Hoolahan, who has rich experience and despite his age remains very talented individual. Merrick likes to mix 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations a lot and he also uses the overlap weapon constantly. After being very aggressive for Mariners last term new right-back Millar is tipped to rack up lots of assists as he fits perfectly in Merrick’s philosophy. The other new full-back Burns is also aggressive player that joins the attacks a lot. All in all the huge experience of the manager and the relatively solid core of main players should see Jets improve their results compared to last season.