Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets – A-League, March 13, 2021

Sydney FC will be looking to build on their midweek victory over Western United when the Jets visit Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday, March 13.

The defending champions ended a four-game winless run on Wednesday, taking them to seventh place on the A-League ladder – four points ahead of second-bottom Newcastle.

You can find my Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets prediction and betting pick below. But first up, let’s check out the bookmakers’ odds.

Given that Sydney FC (2.00) has made a relatively slow start to the 2020/21 A-League season, the leading online sportsbooks are offering a generous price for the home win here.

Newcastle (3.35) isn’t expected to win on Saturday, while the high odds for the draw (3.65) suggest that the Jets could struggled to get anything from this game.

Defeats to Melbourne City and Macarthur FC, along with two draws against Brisbane Roar, saw Sydney FC go four games without a win across late February and early march.

But following a convincing 2-0 victory over Western United, it feels like the Sky Blues are back on track.

Bobo netted for the second game running to give Steve Corica’s side the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half, before Rhyan Grant marked his 200th A-League appearance with a rare goal after the break.

Having racked up 19 shots, six of which were on target, it’s fair to say that Sydney FC should have scored more.

With the Mariners currently leading the way at the summit of the standings, Corica’s men already find themselves nine points off the pace. But with a game in hand over their rivals, they will be confident of closing the gap in the coming weeks.

Let’s not forget that Sydney FC boasts the best defensive record in the A-League right now.

Missed #SYDvWUN?

Catch the @maccas Mini Match here ?#ALeague #SydneyIsSkyBlue #WUFC

— A-League (@ALeague) March 10, 2021

In fairness, the Jets also haven’t conceded too many goals their term. However, their struggles have come at the other end of the pitch.

With 11 games played this season, Craig Deans’ men have only managed to score nine goals, leaving them with the unwanted tag of the A-League’s lowest scorers.

Newcastle made the worst possible start to the campaign, losing each of their opening four games. But a five-match unbeaten run – three wins and two draws – appeared to have steadied the ship last month.

Since then, the Jets have suffered back-to-back defeats. After going down 2-0 to Wellington Phoenix, they lost 2-1 to Adelaide United last time out, having managed to register just a single shot on target against the Reds.

With the A-League’s weakest forward line set to come up against the toughest defense in the division, it goes without saying that Newcastle’s chances of getting anything from Saturday’s game are pretty slim.

In my eyes, it makes perfect sense to take advantage of the big price for the home win here.

Following an awkward patch, it feels like Sydney FC is ready to climb up the ladder now. Corica’s men brushed aside Western United without any real problems on Wednesday, and I can see them doing the same against Newcastle.

The Jets look bereft of ideas at the moment, with many of the team’s top performers underachieving. Ultimately, it would be a big shock if the away side upset the odds on Saturday.