Newcastle Jets vs Western United Tips & Predictions - Jets aiming to extend historic unbeaten run

Out of nowhere, the Jets have put together a seven-game unbeaten run to propel themselves into finals contention. Not since 2005 have the Jets gone on an unbeaten streak this long, so it's a monumental moment for the club right now.

This won't be an easy game for the Jets, but Rob Stanton's side have come up against four teams currently inside the top six during their current unbeaten run, so they won't be overawed. With four wins from their last five games, I'm backing Newcastle in the Double Chance market as the best bet - they are full of confidence and can continue their magical run at home. I will also have a smaller stake on the Jets to win outright as home underdogs.

These two sides have split the last six meetings at three wins apiece in all competitions. Western emerged comfortable 3-1 winners in the most-recent encounter in Round 15, but the Jets are a completely different side these days.

No team in the A-League has picked up more points than the Jets across the last seven games.

It's been a stunning resurgence from Newcastle, who's finals hopes were all but extinguished this time last month. It's still a big mountain to climb, but the Jets have given themselves a chance courtesy of their best run in 20 years.

After a 1-1 draw with league leaders Auckland, the Jets were in action mid-week against Melbourne City and pulled off one of the great escapes.

Indeed, City had 27 goal attempts to just five, but Newcastle made the most of their chances, with Lachie Rose calmly slotting home the winner after goalkeeper Noah James earlier made a string of stellar saves.

Japanese recruit Kota Mizunuma is set to return to the squad after he was rested for the mid-week win over City.

While the Jets have impressed over the last few weeks, Western have been one of the form teams in the competition over the last few months.

John Aloisi has done a brilliant job of transforming his team into genuine premiership contenders, with striker Noah Botic topping the goalscoring charts with 10.

Western have won nine of their last 13 games heading into this contest, including the last three straight over Adelaide United (3-0), Central Coast Mariners (3-1) and Wellington Phoenix (4-1).

Those results have propelled Western into second spot on the ladder, six behind leaders Auckland - although they have played one more game.

No major changes for Western this week, with Ben Garuccio still out injured.