Newcastle Jets vs. Western United – A-League, April 5, 2021

The Jets will be desperate to end a five-match losing streak when Western United visits McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday, April 4.

Following a morale-boosting victory over high-flying Melbourne City on Thursday, United is up to seventh on the A-League ladder – six points ahead of second-bottom Newcastle.

I assess the Newcastle vs. Western United odds before sharing my prediction and betting pick for Monday’s clash.

Despite the Jets’ recent struggles, the top-rated online sports betting sites favor Newcastle to get the better of Western United on home soil.

Given that United beat Melbourne City last time out, there is definitely some value found in the odds for the draw and the away win here.

I assess both sides’ chances below.

Having enjoyed a five-game winning run – three wins and two draws – across January and February, the Jets were making amends for a poor start to the 2020/21 A-League season.

But unfortunately, Newcastle’s form has taken a turn for the worse recently.

In fact, they have conceded exactly two goals in four of their last five matches, with a 4-1 thrashing against Adelaide United also coming along the way.

On a brighter note, Newcastle is scoring goals. Having recorded three 2-1 losses in their last four games, it feels like the Jets are close to getting back on track.

Valentino Yuel (4) and Roy O’Donovan (3) have bagged seven goals between them this season, although their team-mates have only managed to score a combined total of five goals. If Newcastle is to turn things around, it will need to be a team effort.

Mark Rudan’s men headed into Thursday’s clash against Melbourne City, having suffered three defeats in their last four games. But after seeing off City, Western United’s record suddenly looks a lot better.

Indeed, the Green & Black have now won four of their previous seven outings – scoring 12 goals in the process.

Rudan’s men appeared to be heading for defeat last time out, yet they came from behind to stun in-form City. Despite facing a barrage of 27 shots, second-half goals from Lachlan Wales and Besart Berisha handed United all three points.

Berisha has racked up six goals and two assists in 12 appearances this term, meaning only three players have netted more A-League goals than United’s target man in 2020/21.

There is no denying that United has been wildly unpredictable this season. However, it feels as though the Green & Black are beginning to discover a sense of consistency.

Given that Newcastle has suffered five consecutive losses, the big price for the away win seems too good to miss here. On top of that, Western United heads into Monday’s match on a serious high following an outstanding victory over Melbourne City.

Ultimately, it isn’t easy to see how the Jets can turn things around at the moment. This is likely to be a scrappy affair, but I expect United to come away from McDonald Jones Stadium with all three points.