Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne Victory Tips & Predictions - Victory to register third consecutive win

Victory are backed to pile more misery on the struggling Jets, who's three wins for the season have all come on the road. Victory have experienced an uptick in form over the last couple of weeks, putting together back-to-back wins for the first time since Patrick Kisnorbo's departure. Newcastle aren't expected to have the class to outgun Victory's star-studded line-up, but they can find the back of the net at home, with both teams scoring in the last four meetings between the teams.

This will be the first meeting between the teams this season. The last clash at McDonald Jones in February 2024 resulted in a 1-1 draw, while Victory ran out 5-3 winners in the reverse fixture last season.

Another disappointing season for the Jets, who will almost certainly miss the finals once again, meaning they have still only finished in the top six once since their 2008/09 premiership.

Home form has been an issue for Newcastle, who have lost four of their last six games and drawn the other two, including a recent 2-2 share of the spoils with lowly Perth Glory.

The Jets will be buoyed by their most-recent encounter, which saw them recover from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against rivals Central Coast in the F3 derby last week.

Japanese recruit Kota Mizunuma has got to be in contention for a start after impressing in his opening two appearances for the club, especially from set pieces, while Lachie Rose scored his third goal since returning from injury last week against the Mariners and is also in line for a start.

Victory have surged up to third spot on the ladder, but there's no room for any complacency, with just one point separating third from seventh.

It was a tough period following the shock resignation of Kisnorbo, but Victory have put their faith in former Jets assistant coach Arthur Diles and the move has started to pay dividends.

Victory head into this encounter full of confidence after defeating Sydney FC and Perth Glory 2-0 in their last two outings.

Lachie Jackson recently joined the club and might feature against his former team here.