SATURDAY, DEC 28

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.30pm

Head to head: Jets 19, Roar 14, drawn 10

Last clash: Round 26, 2018-10, Jets 6-1 at Suncorp Stadium

The basement battle will decide which side sits at the bottom leading into the new year. With just two wins and two draws apiece for these sides this season, both coaches, Robbie Fowler and Ernie Merrick, are under pressure.

After a 6-2 thumping at the hands of Perth last week, the Jets have the worst defensive record in the competition and have conceded 10 goals in their past two games. Roar are fresh from a bye but have just one win in the past month.

Key: The Jets are undefeated in their past six games against the Roar and their past three at McDonald Jones Stadium against the visitors.

However, they have a miserable home record this season - winning just once in four games. A rapid improvement in defence is needed to give Newcastle fans a reason to cheer.

Tip: Newcastle