Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina is confident his side can defeat co-league leaders Adelaide United this weekend.

The Jets met the Reds in Round 1 at Hindmarsh Stadium and were unlucky not to win the match which ended as a scoreless draw.

Since then, Adelaide have won three of four whilst Newcastle have drawn two and lost one but that match in early August, doubled with the uncertainty that the club's financial situation brings, gives Culina plenty of confidence.

"The fact we played Adelaide five weeks ago and were clearly the better side gives us that bit of confidence," Culina told the Newcastle Herald.

"The players have to understand . . . when we step out on the park we are basically playing for our futures.

"If we can't be motivated by that, then maybe there should be a question mark over where we go from here.

"But I have no doubts we will rise to the occasion and you will see us climb the ladder."