"They're good in their preparation and we've had a lot of information on Newcastle over the past week. We've got a good game plan. The boys are really buying into everything that's going on at the moment and hopefully it shows in our results."
A win would see the Phoenix end 2016 in the A-League playoff spots, something which seemed highly unlikely a month ago.
There will be one change to the Phoenix starting side with a fit-again Tom Doyle set to regain the starting left-back spot. Doyle came on as a substitute in the come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Western Sydney last Saturday, releasing his commendable fill-in Adam Parkhouse into a more advanced role. Parkhouse was originally signed as a winger and showed his attacking ability by setting up Roy Krishna's equaliser. However, with no change likely in the front five, Parkhouse will inject his width and pace from the bench.
All Whites midfielder Michael McGlinchey remains unavailable with a knee niggle, but could be fit to face Adelaide United at home on New Year's Day. Returning striker Shane Smeltz will be in the mix four days later away at Perth Glory when the transfer window opens.
The Phoenix accounted comfortably for a toothless Newcastle side 2-0 early last month, collecting their first points of the campaign after four straight defeats. However, the Jets have found form recently, winning their last two games to climb past the Phoenix into the top six. Inspirational skipper Nigel Boogaard has returned after a month-long injury layoff while striker Andrew Nabbout is the most dangerous attacker in the Jets line-up.
"Two wins in a row for any team is hugely motivational," said Durante.
"They'll be full of confidence and they've got a lot of their key players back at a crucial time. It's not going to be easy but we're really confident we can go there and get all three points."
