PERTH, Australia (Interstat) — A resurgent Newcastle Jets side, riding a wave of high-scoring form, will face a Perth Glory team looking to solidify its playoff credentials when the A-League rivals meet at HBF Park on Friday.

The match, scheduled for Feb. 13, 2026, pits two teams trending in opposite directions over the past month. The visiting Jets (10-6-4) enter with significant momentum, coming off a dramatic 3-2 road victory over Adelaide United last Sunday. That win marked their third in the last four league matches, a stretch where they have netted an impressive 13 goals.

Their attack, led by in-form forwards, will test a Perth (7-8-5) defense that has been inconsistent. The Glory are seeking stability after a 2-2 draw with Macarthur last Friday, a result that extended their winless run to two matches. Prior to that, they had shown flashes, including a 3-0 rout of the Central Coast Mariners in January.

History, however, favors the hosts. In their most recent encounter last November, Perth Glory secured a 2-1 victory over the Jets in Newcastle. That result is mirrored by the latest projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which predicts a repeat 2-1 win for Perth Glory on Friday.

Newcastle’s season has been marked by explosive offense and occasional defensive lapses. Highlights include a 4-1 thrashing of Brisbane Roar and a wild 5-4 loss to Macarthur. Perth’s campaign has been more uneven, with notable wins over Melbourne City and Macarthur balanced by narrow losses.

The Jets currently sit higher on the table and will view this as a crucial opportunity to gain ground against a direct competitor. For Perth, protecting home turf is paramount as they navigate a congested mid-table race. A win would provide a vital boost before a difficult stretch that sees them play four of their next five matches on the road.

Friday’s contest is set for a 7:45 p.m. local time kickoff (1045 GMT). The referee assignment is pending.

Upcoming Schedules: Newcastle Jets: Host Macarthur (Feb. 22), at Central Coast Mariners (Feb. 28). Perth Glory: At Adelaide United (Feb. 20), at Brisbane Roar (Feb. 28).