NEWCASTLE, Australia (Interstat) — An early-season A-League derby between the Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC on Saturday features two sides looking to build on resounding bounce-back victories.

Both clubs enter the match at McDonald Jones Stadium with identical 1-1-0 records in the young A-League season. The Jets are coming off a stunning 5-2 thrashing of Melbourne Victory last Friday, a dominant response after a 3-2 road loss to the Central Coast Mariners in their season opener.

Sydney FC mirrored that pattern, rebounding from a 2-1 opening loss to Adelaide United with a confident 2-0 home win over the Mariners last Saturday.

The matchup pits Newcastle’s explosive offense, which erupted for five goals last week, against a Sydney defense that just secured a clean sheet. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Sydney is projected to edge the Jets with a 2-1 final score.

The result will see one team climb above .500 and establish early momentum in the domestic competition. Following this match, Newcastle Jets will travel to face Brisbane Roar on Nov. 9, while Sydney FC’s next A-League fixture is at home against Melbourne Victory on Nov. 22.