JOHNNY Koutroumbis expects a reaction from Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
The Reds were embarrassed 5-1 by Western United at home last round.
It was the second biggest loss in front of their own fans in the club's history. The worst was a 5-0 thumping to Perth in February 2017.
Koutroumbis was born and bred in Adelaide and captained the Reds' youth team before joining the Jets four seasons ago.
"You never really see that scoreline in Adelaide," the 22-year-old defender said. "No-one likes getting beat 5-1. The following week they have to show some character and they will give it their all. They will bounce back and work really hard."
One touch finish... @NewcastleJetsFC preparing for @ALeague clash with @AdelaideUnitedpic.twitter.com/lbMbqkf4qX
— James Gardiner (@JamesGardiner42) March 10, 2020
The Jets have their own point to prove in Adelaide. In both previous encounters against the Reds this season, they dominated for large periods but paid the price for poor finishing.
They gave up a late goal to James Troisi to lose 2-1 at Coopers Stadium in December. It was a similar story in round three in Newcastle where the Jets blew a 1-0 lead to go down 2-1.
"We dominated possession and did nothing up front," Koutroumbis said.
"It has been a weird season. We have played well in some games and haven't gotten the results."
The tide turned in the 2-1 victory over Perth before the bye last round.
"We dominated the Perth game in the front third and we took our chances," he said.
"If we are clinical and stick to the game plan, we will put goals away for sure."
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Koutroumbis felt the bye "had come at a good time".
"The boys needed a rest and we are refreshed and ready to go to Adelaide," he said.
The "week off" also gave the Jets an opportunity to work at the style of play under new coach Carl Robinson.
"There has been plenty of intensity," Koutroumbis said. "There has been a lot of information to take in. Boys are fighting for positions and want to be a part of a winning team. It's a good culture."
Welsh international Joe Ledley has received his international transfer clearance and is likely to make his debut in Adelaide.
"Having the likes of Joe Ledley and Bernie Ibini come in to the squad and having Wes [Hoolahan] back from injury, it's great," Koutroumbis said. "It brings up the tempo at training which oozes down to the younger boys. They bring a lot of class and experience. You are always learning from them."
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