Round 21 of the Ninja A-League: Your Essential Game-by-Game Guide

The Ninja A-League returns this weekend, and aleagues.com.au has all the essential information you need ahead of Round 21 of the 2024-25 season.

Continue reading for a detailed preview of each match in Round 21.

Western Sydney Wanderers vs Sydney FC

Friday, 28 March – Marconi Stadium – 7pm AEDT

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The Sydney Derby at Marconi Stadium on Friday night takes on a different vibe this season, as the 12th-placed Wanderers face off against 11th-placed Sydney in a clash of teams struggling at the bottom of the table.

After suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Perth Glory, the Wanderers find themselves anchored at the bottom, trailing Sydney by four points following two consecutive losses.

On a brighter note, the home side welcomes back reigning Julie Dolan Medallist Sophie Harding, who made her much-anticipated return after a hip injury sidelined her since late January.

Meanwhile, despite their path to the finals still being mathematically viable, Ante Juric’s squad is eyeing a third consecutive victory in the Ninja A-League, which would likely save them from finishing at the bottom.

Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United

Saturday, 29 March – AAMI Park – 4:50pm AEDT

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The first match of an Original Rivalry double-header in both the Ninja A-League and Isuzu UTE A-League sees Melbourne Victory aiming to narrow the gap to league leaders Melbourne City to just two points while maintaining their distance from third-placed Adelaide.

Currently sitting second on the ladder, Victory rides into the match after four consecutive wins, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Newcastle. Striker Emily Gielnik leads the Golden Boot race with 12 goals, one ahead of her rivals.

In contrast, Adelaide is on a trajectory of resurgence, rebounding from their loss to Melbourne City by beating Brisbane Roar, bringing them just two points shy of Victory in third place.

Still in contention for the Premiership, a brace from Fiona Worts ensured Adelaide’s 3-1 win over Brisbane, propelling her back into the Golden Boot race, despite a dry spell of just one goal in her previous nine outings.

Perth Glory vs Canberra United

Saturday, 29 March – Sam Kerr Football Centre – 8pm AEDT

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Expect a high-stakes encounter at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday night, as Perth Glory and Canberra United both seek a pathway to the finals.

Glory enters the match sitting ninth but finds itself close to the top six after earning a 1-0 win against the Wanderers last weekend.

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Even though a victory over Canberra won’t guarantee a top-six finish due to goal difference, it would allow them to leapfrog Antoni Jagarinec’s side.

Currently in seventh place, Canberra is grappling with a dismal form, having lost their last three matches and not securing a win in their past six games, with their last triumph coming against Perth on February 1.

Compounding Canberra’s difficulties is the absence of New Zealand international Elizabeth Anton, who has signed with Norwegian club Kolbotn. However, a win could potentially lift them into the top six, assuming Brisbane Roar doesn’t win against the Mariners on Sunday.

Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne City

Sunday, 30 March – Porirua Park – 2pm AEDT

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With just three matches remaining this season, Wellington Phoenix must seize this opportunity to qualify for the Finals Series.

Struggling with four losses in their last five games, the Phoenix currently find themselves in eighth place, fighting to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

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Adding to their troubles, Paul Temple’s side must contend with formidable league leaders Melbourne City, who enter Porirua Park after a convincing 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night.

City, now five points clear at the summit and with one game more played than second-placed Melbourne Victory, will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak, which has stretched to 20 matches, while also securing their place in the AFC Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

Newcastle Jets vs Western United

Sunday, 30 March – No.2 Sportsground – 4pm AEDT

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The Newcastle Jets require a small miracle to reach the finals this season, but they are determined to put forth their best effort when they take on Western United on Sunday.

Despite being in 10th place on the ladder, the Jets are just five points away from the top six. They believe that winning all three of their remaining matches would significantly improve their chances of sneaking into the Finals Series.

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They’ll face a challenging opponent in Western United, who are comfortably positioned in fourth place after a 4-3 victory against Canberra United in their last match.

While a top-three finish appears out of reach, given their ten-point deficit to Adelaide United, Western aims to consolidate their grip on fourth place with a win against the Jets, eyeing a home elimination final.

Central Coast Mariners vs Brisbane Roar

Sunday, 30 March – Industree Group Stadium – 5:45pm AEDT

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Having recently ended a five-game winless streak, the Central Coast Mariners are eager to continue their momentum against Brisbane Roar this Sunday at Industree Group Stadium.

With a 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix last weekend, the Mariners climbed to fifth place on the ladder, and they recognise that a win this Sunday is vital for their chances of reaching this season’s finals.

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This significant win over the Phoenix provides Emily Husband’s team a four-point lead over seventh-placed Canberra United, with only three fixtures remaining against Brisbane Roar (H), Melbourne Victory (H), and Newcastle Jets (A).

In contrast, Brisbane Roar continues to spiral downwards, suffering a 4-0 defeat at home against league leaders Melbourne City on Wednesday night.

The Roar’s winless streak extends to six games, having lost their last four in a row, and they are dangerously close to slipping out of the top six with only three matches left in the regular season.