Round 24 of the Isuzu UTE A-League: Your Essential Game-by-Game Preview

Get ready, football fans! The Isuzu UTE A-League returns this weekend, and aleagues.com.au has all the details you need for Round 24 of the 2024-25 season.

Continue reading for a comprehensive preview of each matchup for Round 24.

Macarthur Bulls v Newcastle Jets

Friday, 28 March – Campbelltown Sports Stadium – 7:35pm AEDT

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This Friday night, fans can look forward to a thrilling showdown at Campbelltown as the Macarthur Bulls take on the Newcastle Jets in a key encounter for both teams’ finals aspirations. This match will also mark a notable milestone for Bulls captain Luke Brattan, who will play in his 300th Isuzu UTE A-League match.

Currently sitting eighth on the ladder and five points shy of the top six, the Bulls are keen to capitalise on their recent stunning 5-4 victory over Adelaide. They must secure a win to boost their chances of finishing the season strongly.

With just five games remaining, Mile Sterjovski’s squad could inch closer to sixth-placed Adelaide with a win, but they will need some help from the results of other matches to stay in the race.

On the other hand, the Jets, managed by Rob Stanton, were gaining momentum as they aimed for the finals. However, a hefty 6-2 defeat to Western United last time out has left them in ninth place, eight points adrift of the finals positions, with six games left to play this season.

Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers

Saturday, 29 March – Sky Stadium – 3pm AEDT

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The Wellington Phoenix enter Round 24 facing the Wanderers from the 11th position on the ladder, still searching for their first win in seven matches and a staggering 13 points off the finals contention.

Nevertheless, their last outing—a 1-1 draw away against Sydney FC—may provide a glimmer of hope for head coach Giancarlo Italiano as they prepare for what promises to be another challenging encounter against a Wanderers side eager to narrow the gap to second-placed Western United.

With goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi stepping back into action after playing against Sydney FC, he is ready to take the reins for the remainder of the season following an injury sidelining young prospect Alby Kelly-Heald.

Meanwhile, the Wanderers arrive in Wellington with aspirations of securing their fifth straight win while maintaining their impressive scoring streak. Under the guidance of Alen Stajcic, they have already claimed 47 goals this season, exceeding their previous record for the most in a regular campaign, with six matches still to play.

The Wanderers will need to manage fatigue, as Brandon Borrello is returning from Socceroos duty, whilst young defenders Anthony Pantazopoulos, Aidan Simmons, and winger Aydan Hammond have been with the Olyroos in Qatar.

Sydney FC v Melbourne City

Saturday, 29 March – Allianz Stadium – 5pm AEDT

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Saturday afternoon offers a high-stakes battle as Sydney FC host Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium in what could be a critical match in the fight for finals positions.

Sydney FC, currently seventh on the ladder, trail sixth-placed Adelaide United by three points after failing to secure a win against Wellington Phoenix. A loss to City might severely hinder their chances of reaching the finals this season.

Sky Blues manager Ufuk Talay will look to key players Antony Caceres and Alex Grant, who have recently returned from international duty with the Socceroos, to recover quickly as they face a challenging run ahead against five of the top six teams.

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For Melbourne City, coach Aurelio Vidmar’s squad is sitting four points ahead of Sydney in fourth place, and a victory at Allianz Stadium could elevate them to third by the end of the round.

In-form winger Marco Tilio, who recently travelled to China with the Socceroos but did not feature, will be crucial for the team’s performance in the Harbour City.

This encounter marks the first meeting of the season between these two clubs, although Melbourne holds a superior record, winning six of their last ten league meetings.

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United

Saturday, 29 March – AAMI Park – 7:35pm AEDT

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Saturday night highlights the historic rivalry as Melbourne Victory hosts Adelaide United at AAMI Park, with both teams desperate for a win.

Melbourne Victory returns from the international break, featuring wingers Nishan Velupillay and Daniel Arzani who both played for the Socceroos, with Velupillay even scoring against both Indonesia and China.

After leading 2-0 against the Wanderers last time out, Arthur Diles’ squad succumbed to a 4-2 loss, leaving them in fifth place, level on points with Adelaide United in sixth at 33.

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However, one positive for Diles’ side is their recent form—only one defeat in the last five matches indicates a confidence boost compared to their weekend visitors.

Adelaide United, on the other hand, are reeling from a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Bulls in their previous match, resulting in them looking nervously over their shoulders at the final five spots.

Without a win in five games, Adelaide could find themselves outside the top six if they suffer another defeat and Sydney FC triumph over Melbourne City.

Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory

Sunday, 30 March – Industree Group Stadium – 3pm AEDT

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The Central Coast Mariners return home to face Perth Glory this Sunday, riding high from their commendable performance against Auckland FC last week.

Despite trailing twice, Mark Jackson’s reigning champions showed resilience to secure a point in an unforgiving venue, yet they remain winless in eight league games.

On the visitors’ side, Glory coach David Zdrilic faces tough times following a 3-1 defeat against Brisbane Roar that left them stranded at the bottom of the ladder, having played two more matches than Brisbane.

Perth are in dire need of a win to avoid claiming a second consecutive wooden spoon. Interestingly, striker Adam Taggart has been named in the extended squad despite departing Socceroos camp due to a groin injury.

Brisbane Roar v Auckland FC

Sunday, 30 March – Suncorp Stadium – 5pm AEDT

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As they gear up to face Auckland FC on Sunday, Brisbane Roar are hungry for their first home win at Suncorp Stadium in over a year, the last coming in March 2024.

After a promising 3-1 victory over Perth Glory, Ruben Zadkovich’s squad has moved off the last spot in the ladder for the first time since Round 1. They are keen to maintain this position and steer clear of another wooden spoon.

However, the league-leading Auckland FC will prove a formidable opponent, arriving in Brisbane off the back of three consecutive draws.

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Auckland has struggled to convert leads, recently drawing 2-2 against the Mariners after previously securing an impressive 6-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix on February 22, which has seen their lead at the top reduced to just four points.

Nevertheless, Steve Corica’s side understands that a win against the Roar would create a seven-point cushion between themselves and the competition, with Western United set to rest this round.