Newcastle Jets vs. Brisbane Roar – A-League, May 21, 2021

It is beginning to feel as though Newcastle may not win another game this season. Following a 1-0 defeat to Central Coast last weekend, the Jets’ winless run now stands at 13 games (three draws, ten losses).

Brisbane will aim to take advantage of Newcastle’s miserable form when the two sides meet at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday, May 21.

The Roar are on a three-match winless streak of their own, so they will be eager to enhance their top-six hopes with a positive result in New South Wales.

In this Newcastle Jets vs. Brisbane Roar betting preview, I look at the A-League odds, analyze the teams, and provide my prediction and pick for Friday’s clash.

I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t surprised by the odds for this match. Of course, Brisbane (2.30) is the deserved favorite. But I wasn’t expecting the price for the away win to be so high.

Given that Newcastle (3.00) is currently enduring a 13-game winless run, the odds for the draw (3.40) and the Brisbane win offer serious value here.

Anyway, that’s what the betting sites think. Let’s take a closer look at both teams before settling on a Newcastle Jets vs. Brisbane Roar prediction.

In fairness, the Jets gave a decent account of themselves last time out. They managed to create multiple goalscoring chances against the Mariners and also saw plenty of the ball, but they ultimately failed to take any of their opportunities.

Last weekend’s performance – and result – summed up Newcastle’s season perfectly, given that Craig Deans’ men have netted a measly 18 goals in 22 games this term.

Following a club-record seven straight losses, the Jets were able to record three draws in five games last month. Still, they last tasted victory all the way back in February.

Although they find themselves rock bottom on the A-League ladder, the Jets’ defensive displays haven’t been too bad this season. In fact, three teams have conceded more goals than Newcastle, while Western United has an identical defensive record.

If they want to avoid the dreaded Wooden Spoon, Deans’ men must start scoring goals; there is no other option.

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All of a sudden, there is some nervous energy in the Brisbane camp.

A seven-game unbeaten streak (four wins, three draws) between late March and early May saw the Roar cement their place among the Finals Series hopefuls. But one draw and two defeats in their last three games have cast doubt over the club’s top-six credentials.

Granted, Warren Moon’s men still sit in sixth place and boast a game in hand over many of their rivals. But with the likes of Western Sydney, Wellington, Perth, and Western United hot on their heels, they can’t afford many more slip-ups.

After losing to Melbourne City, the Queenslanders drew with Central coast before losing to Adelaide United on Sunday. Needless to say, they will be desperate return to winning ways on Friday.

Thankfully for them, struggling Newcastle isn’t likely cause the Roar too many problems.

In my opinion, odds of 2.30 for the Brisbane win are too tasty to miss. We all know that Moon’s men have not been at their best in recent weeks, but they have more than enough firepower to see off Newcastle.

The Jets have only managed to score two goals in their previous four outings and looked bereft of ideas at the top end of the pitch. As long as they continue to struggle in attack, they can’t expect to win games.