Key dates and blockbuster clashes in A-League Season 2020/21

With 41 sizzling matches in the first 37 days of A-League Season 2020/21, a blockbuster summer of football is right around the corner.

If you want classic rivalries, brand new encounters, Grand Final rematches and grudge-match battles, read on for all the details about the competition’s biggest clashes coming your way.

ANNOUNCEMENT: A-League 2020/21 Season Draw revealed
LATEST SQUADS: All players signed for A-League 2020/21 Season

History beckons in the first Western Sydney Derby

Western Sydney Wanderers know all about making an impression in the A-League but the Red and Black will be aiming to spoil their newest neighbour’s parade on opening day.

Macarthur FC will no doubt receive a welcome to remember when they arrive at Wanderland as the Bulls aim to lay down a marker in the first ever battle of Western Sydney.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Macarthur FC
Bankwest Stadium
Sunday, 27 December 2020
Kick-off: 6.30pm AEDT

Statements to be made in the Grand Final rematch

It took more than 100 minutes for Sydney FC’s Rhyan Grant to score the goal that crushed Melbourne City’s dreams of lifting their first A-League silverware in the 2020 Grand Final.

It’s likely that City’s players have thought about little else in the past few months. The beaten finalists will be hellbent on revenge when they go head-to-head with the defending Premiers and Champions once again in Round 1.

Sydney FC v Melbourne City
ANZ Stadium
Wednesday, 30 December 2020
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6185994734001

Fireworks guaranteed in the F3 Derby

They may have collected a third straight wooden spoon last season, but what better way for the Central Coast Mariners to show they are ready to turn the corner than by beating their bitter rivals to close out 2020.

And, after an off-season of turmoil, the ex-Mariner Roy O’Donovan and the Newcastle Jets will be desperate to celebrate the New Year in style by painting the town of Gosford red and navy.

Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
Central Coast Stadium
Thursday, 31 December 2020
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

Let the cowbells ring in the new year

Expect Macarthur FC and their faithful followers to bring the noise to Campbelltown Stadium as the Bulls run out on their own turf for the very first time in the A-League.

The start-up club have promised that cowbells will be rung as the last two Westfield Matildas head coaches go head-to-head, with Ante Milicic and Alen Stajcic occupying opposite dugouts.

Macarthur FC v Central Coast Mariners
Campbelltown Stadium
Sunday, 3 January 2021
Kick-off: 4pm AEDT

How will Robinson be received when he returns to the Hunter?

The Newcastle Jets were one of the most impressive teams of the post-lockdown period during the 2019/20 season – but their progress was flipped on its head when head coach Carl Robinson made a sensational switch to Western Sydney Wanderers in October.

Robinson must lead his new Red and Black charges back to the Hunter in Round 3 to face the team he helped to assemble – and his reception at McDonald Jones Stadium is likely to be a frosty one.

Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
McDonald Jones Stadium
Tuesday, 5 January 2021
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

Will Wanderers continue to own Sydney Derby bragging rights?

Steve Corica’s Sky Blues may be holding all of the silverware but the one thing they could not achieve during their glittering 2019/20 campaign was a win against their Harbour City neighbours.

Western Sydney had the edge over the Premiers twice, in a pair of 1-0 wins, while the third match ended locked at 1-1. One thing is certain, Sydney FC will not be satisfied with going another year without beating their crosstown rivals.

Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
ANZ Stadium
Saturday, 16 January 2021
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

Will Western United finally make their mark in this Victorian Derby?

Four times Western United have tried, four times they have been defeated – with the most painful loss inflicted in last season’s Semi-Final encounter.

Even after being reduced to 10 men on two occasions, Melbourne City have walked away the winners in a quartet of meetings with last year’s start-up club. Is it Western United’s time?

Melbourne City v Western United
AAMI Park (Melbourne Rectangular Stadium)
Sunday, 17 January 2021
Kick-off: 6pm AEDT

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6184622361001

The Original Rivalry stokes up again

When it comes to combustible clashes in the A-League, few can match the age-old tradition of Red versus Blue.

Hard-hitting tackles, intense moments and high drama is almost guaranteed when this fiery feud rears its head. However you frame it, these teams just do not play nicely.

Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
Coopers Stadium
Saturday, 23 January 2021
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

Australia Day goes Big Blue

In what has become one of the first dates to circle on the A-League calendar, the first Big Blue of the season is always one to get the pulses racing.

Sydney FC’s fifth Championship and fourth Premiership triumphs last season saw them eclipse Victory’s achievements. Do not expect Big V to offer a warm welcome to the defending champs.

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
AAMI Park (Melbourne Rectangular Stadium)
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

Can Western United continue to dominate the battle of the Westgate?

While Western United are yet to score a point against Melbourne City, Mark Rudan’s side have had the Navy Blue’s number from the start.

On three straight occasions, the Green and Black have claimed the Westgate Derby. New Victory coach Grant Brebner will be searching for an answer to end the hoodoo.

Western United v Melbourne Victory
Venue TBC
Saturday, 20 February 2021
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6099956884001

Has the balance of power shifted in the Melbourne Derby?

A peek inside these clubs’ trophies cabinets is all the evidence you need to prove which is the pride of Victoria – but are the Navy Blue’s glory days numbered?

This series was split equally last year – one win each and one draw – but a glance at the ladder, and the Finals Series, tells another story. How will the pendulum swing in 2020/21?

Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City
Marvel Stadium
Saturday, 6 March 2021
Kick-off: 7pm AEDT