CENTRAL defender Tiago believes a unified Jets squad will turn the corner in their roller-coaster A-League season against Adelaide at Bathurst tonight.
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The Brazilian is expected to play in the middle of a three-man Jets back line against the Reds in one of four changes to the starting line-up that lost 1-0 to Wellington Phoenix at Ausgrid Stadium on Friday night.
Tiago, who was suspended for the Phoenix loss, trained in the central position yesterday at Carrington Park, pushing Ruben Zadkovich to the bench.
Jobe Wheelhouse is likely to come into the midfield for Jacob Pepper, Byun Sung-hwan could make way for Marko Jesic, who is tipped to play an attacking midfield role, and Labinot Haliti trained up front in place of Michael Bridges.
The possible changes come as Gary van Egmond’s side try to arrest a slide which has brought just one win from the past eight games.
Newcastle looked dangerous in the first half against Wellington until a 58th-minute goal from Manny Muscat, but they rarely threatened as they chased an equaliser.
Speculation this week about the possible trade of out-of-favour Chris Payne for Gold Coast’s Tahj Minniecon, and the Jets’ interest in Nathan Burns as a replacement for Kasey Wehrman, has only added to the pressure on the squad.
But Tiago said the team were unified and determined to revive their season in Bathurst.
‘‘Of course the result last game was not good, but we are together as a unit to reverse the situation,’’ Tiago said yesterday. ‘‘We improved a lot the last game.
‘‘Unfortunately the result didn’t come, but I’m sure the result will come tomorrow.’’
James Troisi yesterday joined fellow former Adelaide player and Socceroo Burns on a long list of players being linked to the Jets during the January-February transfer window.
Van Egmond has spoken about the club’s hope of signing Burns, who is a free agent after leaving Greek club AEK Athens.
But the club was tight-lipped about the prospect of securing Troisi, who is believed to want out of his contract with Turkish side Kayserispor.
‘‘We don’t wish to make comment on player movement until we have confirmation,’’ Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby said yesterday.
