Coach Mark Rudan says Western United must beat A-League strugglers Newcastle if they’re to keep up in the A-League finals race.
United sit just outside the top six, with a lack of consistency standing between them and a finals berth – having struggled to string together consecutive wins.
After United delivered a brilliant comeback win over Melbourne City on Thursday night, Rudan says Monday’s clash with the Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium was the perfect opportunity to find consistency.
“I’ve been pretty pleased with our performances this year but it hasn’t always matched the results,” Rudan told reporters.
“So that’s what we have to work on – making sure that we get consistency with the results now because some of the teams are starting to draw away – and there’s almost a gap now emerging between the top six and the rest of the pack.
“So you’ve got to stay with the pack, so to speak – so that that’s why tomorrow’s important.
“We’ve got to go there with the mindset of doing a job, and winning the game – simple as that.”
The Jets have lost five games on the bounce and are floundering in 11th place.
But Rudan said his side wouldn’t be getting “carried away” after their win over City.
Rudan planned to make a decision closer to the game on whether to start game-changing captain Alessandro Diamanti, while the starting goalkeeper’s spot was Ryan Scott’s to lose, despite Filip Kurto’s return from concussion.
STATS THAT MATTER
* Western United captain Alessandro Diamanti leads the league for assists with seven, in 11 games.
* Newcastle have lost five games in a row, conceding 12 goals in that run.
* United’s Dylan Pierias has scored five goals in 12 games this season while Besart Berisha has six.