The Ninja A-League returns this weekend, and you’ll find all the essential details for Round 20 of the 2024-25 season right here at aleagues.com.au.
Keep reading for a comprehensive preview of each match heading into Round 20.
*Melbourne City will not be in action this weekend due to their AFC Women’s Champions League quarter-final.
Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets
Friday, March 21 – Home of the Matildas – 7pm AEDT
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After having their previous match against Western Sydney Wanderers postponed due to extreme heat, Melbourne Victory will be eager to hit the ground running on Friday evening.
Currently sitting five points adrift of league leaders Melbourne City, albeit with a game in hand, Victory will aim to take advantage of the fact their city rivals are not in domestic action this weekend. They hope to extend their impressive eight-match unbeaten streak, which intriguingly began with a 2-0 victory over the Jets.
However, they face a challenging encounter against a revitalised Jets team, who come into this match on the back of three consecutive victories.
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The Jets secured a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Brisbane Roar last time out, thanks to Lauren Allan’s 95th-minute winner. They are firmly in contention for a finals spot, understanding that a victory over Victory would put significant pressure on the teams above them.
The bad news for the Jets is their poor track record against Victory, having lost nine of the last 10 encounters between the two sides.
Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, March 22 – Porirua Park – 2pm AEDT
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In a crucial encounter at Porirua Park, two teams struggling for form will clash in a match that could prove decisive for securing a place in the Finals Series.
With Wellington Phoenix currently sitting eighth on the ladder, they will be keen to close the gap on Central Coast Mariners, who occupy the crucial sixth position, just two points ahead.
Having recorded only one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five outings, the Phoenix will hope their home ground advantage can turn the tides, as a win over the Mariners would likely catapult them into the top six by the end of the round.
The Mariners, meanwhile, are in dire need of a victory after failing to win in their last five matches. Emily Husband’s team heads over the Tasman Sea hoping to maintain their slim distance from the teams below them.
Coming off a heart-rending 3-3 draw against Perth, where they conceded a last-minute equaliser, the Mariners find themselves only one point ahead of Canberra in seventh place.
On a brighter note for the Mariners, they have triumphed in all three of their previous encounters against the Phoenix.
Canberra United vs Sydney FC
Saturday, March 21 – McKellar Park – 4pm AEDT
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The action continues in the Ninja A-League as Canberra United hosts Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Saturday afternoon.
Currently languishing in seventh place, Antoni Jagarinec’s squad has hit a rough patch, suffering back-to-back defeats, including a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Western United after leading three times.
Though winless in their last five matches, they still sit just one point behind the Mariners in sixth place, with their remaining fixtures against teams currently outside the finals picture.
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For Sydney FC, the reigning champions, this season has offered little to celebrate. However, their dramatic late victory against Wellington Phoenix last weekend helped lift them off the bottom of the ladder.
Princess Ibini’s clutch 98th-minute goal brought the Sky Blues to 16 points for the season, marking only their fourth win.
Perth Glory vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, March 21 – Sam Kerr Football Centre – 8pm AEDT
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Perth Glory sits six points off the finals positions and knows a victory against the Wanderers is essential this weekend.
Following a crucial draw against the Mariners, which ended 3-3, Stephen Peters’ side welcomes the bottom-placed Wanderers to the Sam Kerr Football Centre, aiming to narrow the gap to the teams above.
Currently placed 10th on the ladder, a win could see Glory finish the round just four points adrift of the top six, with three matches remaining.
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On the flip side, Western Sydney Wanderers find themselves at the bottom of the table, despite a recent upturn in form.
After a promising three-match winning streak, the Wanderers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wellington on March 9 before their match with Melbourne Victory was postponed due to excessive heat.
Interestingly, the Wanderers hold the upper hand historically, having won five of the last ten fixtures against Perth.
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
Sunday, March 23 – Coopers Stadium – 4:30pm AEDT
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Adelaide United’s aspirations for the Premiership took a significant hit in Round 19 after suffering a 4-3 defeat at the hands of league leaders Melbourne City in a thrilling encounter.
That loss not only left Adelaide seven points adrift of City but also snapped their impressive 11-match unbeaten streak, so they’re eager to bounce back on Sunday.
Despite the setback, Adrian Stenta’s team showed resilience by scoring three goals past a defence that had been previously regarded as one of the toughest in the league.
In contrast, Brisbane Roar travels to South Australia looking to end their four-match winless streak.
Currently occupying fifth on the ladder, Alex Smith’s squad has recently suffered back-to-back losses to Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets while conceding six goals during that period.
Only one point separates them from seventh-placed Canberra, so they will be keeping a keen eye on the results of their finals rivals this weekend as they conclude Matchday against the Reds.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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