The match was in doubt until FFA released a statement at 12.30pm on Thursday advising that "at this time ... the fixture will go ahead as planned".

The uncertainty prompted Newcastle to postpone their planned morning training session, just in case the game was switched to Saturday.

Instead they trained in the afternoon once the Friday 7.30pm kick-off was confirmed.

"The forecast ambient and wet-bulb globe temperature for that match remain within acceptable ranges for the later kick-off and the air quality forecast is improving with the arrival of a wind change to the North East on Friday," FFA said in a statement.

"In making decisions regarding whether a fixture will proceed, the safety, welfare and comfort of our players, match officials and fans remain our ongoing focus with regard to air quality issues as a result of these bushfires."

Newcastle's W-League clash with Adelaide, which was to be the curtain-raiser to the A-League bout, was postponed until Saturday, February 1, 7.30pm.

"This decision was made last night due to the forecast of a combination of hazardous air quality and high temperatures in the Hunter region this Friday at the scheduled kick-off time of 5pm and was necessitated by Adelaide United's travel plans," FFA said.

Friday's match will be Newcastle's first since the surprise sacking of coach Ernie Merrick, who has been replaced on a caretaker basis by Craig Deans.

The Jets have lost four of their past five games, a slump that cost Merrick has job and has left them in last place on the ladder, six points behind the top six.

Skipper Nigel Boogaard, who is again unavailable because of a groin injury, said there was "still a lot to play for" and was hopeful a win against competition leaders Sydney would spark a revival.

"It's not gone, by any means," he said.

"Anyone who's been around the league long enough knows that if you win a few games in a row, you can jump three or four spots. You lose a few games in a row, and you can go the other way just as quick.

"That's the beauty of this league ... anyone can beat anyone on any given week."

Boogaard admitted it was "difficult" to prepare, given the uncertainty about whether the match would proceed as scheduled.

"It's always difficult, but in saying that, Sydney are in the same boat," Boogaard said.

"They don't know whether it's going to be played.

"Obviously with us, with everything that's gone on, we just want to get back on the park and play.

"So it's a little bit frustrating not knowing, but in saying that, it is nice to know that FFA are thinking about the health and well-being of players, which is always nice to know.

"So ultimately, we got to sit and wait for a decision to be made, but we're professionals. We'll prepare as best we can, as I'm sure Sydney will."