NEWCASTLE, Australia (Interstat) — The Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory, both seeking their first win of the young A-League season, are set to face off Friday at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The matchup pits a Jets side coming off a high-scoring defeat against a Victory squad that opened its campaign with a stalemate. Newcastle (0-0-1) fell 3-2 to the Central Coast Mariners last Sunday, while Melbourne (0-0-1) played to a scoreless draw with Auckland FC on Oct. 18.

Despite the Jets’ loss, their two-goal output suggests an attacking threat for a Melbourne defense that has yet to concede. Statistical models point toward a close contest. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gives the Jets a slight 54% probability to win.

Both clubs will be eager to secure three points before navigating a busy stretch of the schedule. Following this contest, Melbourne Victory embarks on a road trip, traveling to Perth Glory on Oct. 31. The Newcastle Jets will host Sydney FC in their next fixture on Nov. 1.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. local time.