Moss: Phoenix will be better

Published on: 20 October 2018

Newcastle Jets keeper Glen Moss believes his former team Wellington will pose more of a threat in their opening A-League game than they did last term.

The Phoenix only avoided a wooden spoon finish by winning in the final round last season, while Newcastle went all the way to the Grand Final.

Coach Ernie Merrick worked wonders with the Jets, taking them from a team that had finished last in 2016-17 up to runners-up spot.

They had 15 league victories to Wellington's five, though Moss feels it will be a more even playing field this time.

The Phoenix struggled under Darije Kalezic last season, and will go into the new campaign with Mark Rudan in charge.

Moss, who has had two stints with Wellington, feels his former team have recruited well by signing former Socceroos Mitch Nicholls and David Williams.

"Those guys love to go forward, so I think they are going to be a big improvement on last year," said the veteran shot-stopper.

"They can definitely hurt us in the transition. That's something that we've been working on in pre-season because we know our style, that we like to go forward with numbers quickly."

Having made it to the Grand Final, where they lost to Melbourne Victory, Newcastle know they will be facing greater expectations this time.

Moss says the Jets will be able to handle it, as they had put pressure on themselves last season.

"The pressure was right on us, week in week out, which I think is going to help this year, when there is that external pressure or expectation that we're a team that will be looked at to win games," he added.

Newcastle are 21/20 to beat the Phoenix, who are 5/2 with the draw 5/2. The Jets are 9/1 to win 1-0.

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Newcastle Jets keeper Glen Moss believes his former team Wellington will pose more of a threat in their opening A-League game than they did last term.

The Phoenix only avoided a wooden spoon finish by winning in the final round last season, while Newcastle went all the way to the Grand Final.

Coach Ernie Merrick worked wonders with the Jets, taking them from a team that had finished last in 2016-17 up to runners-up spot.

They had 15 league victories to Wellington's five, though Moss feels it will be a more even playing field this time.

The Phoenix struggled under Darije Kalezic last season, and will go into the new campaign with Mark Rudan in charge.

Moss, who has had two stints with Wellington, feels his former team have recruited well by signing former Socceroos Mitch Nicholls and David Williams.

"Those guys love to go forward, so I think they are going to be a big improvement on last year," said the veteran shot-stopper.

"They can definitely hurt us in the transition. That's something that we've been working on in pre-season because we know our style, that we like to go forward with numbers quickly."

Having made it to the Grand Final, where they lost to Melbourne Victory, Newcastle know they will be facing greater expectations this time.

Moss says the Jets will be able to handle it, as they had put pressure on themselves last season.

"The pressure was right on us, week in week out, which I think is going to help this year, when there is that external pressure or expectation that we're a team that will be looked at to win games," he added.

Newcastle are 21/20 to beat the Phoenix, who are 5/2 with the draw 5/2. The Jets are 9/1 to win 1-0.

Source: bet365.com

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