The 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League schedule is out.
With the threat of COVID-19 hopefully in the rear-view mirror after two hampered seasons, and consistent fan-friendly kick-offs the theme, the upcoming campaign is shaping up as one of the most exciting yet.
The complete 2022-23 ALM season draw
And with those dates locked in, here are the key derbies, rivalries, marquee matchups and Grand Final rematches you book away now, with a little sneak at the emerging storylines 10 weeks from kick-off.
Saturday, October 8:
Big Blue
What a way to usher in a new era at Sydney Football Stadium with the ‘Big Blue‘ fixture. After years of waiting, the Sky Blues have moved into their brand new and state-of-the-art arena in Moore Park and Melbourne Victory are the first opponents.
With Victory comes a sprinkle of extra stardust with Manchester United and Portugal great Nani.
Sydney missed the finals for the first time in six years last season, while Victory fell at the semi-final hurdle, though the Sky Blues own the head-to-head record in the A-League Men with 23 wins to 17. Victory, however, crushed Sydney 4-1 in the recent fixture at Jubilee Oval in May.
The other Big Blue dates:
January 26, 2023:
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC – AAMI Park
March 4, 2023:
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory – AAMI Park
Saturday, November 12: Sydney Derby
The Sydney Derby always runs hot, but there is added spice in 2022-23. The reason? Look no further than Milos Ninkovic.
The Sydney FC legend is now the ultimate villain, and will come up against his former club with Western Sydney Wanderers in the first instalment of the Sydney Derby at Allianz Stadium.
This contest has the makings of a classic.
Round 1 will have added intrigue, as it is the first proper look at a new-look Wanderers, who have been active in the off-season amid their run of five consecutive seasons without finals football.
Brandon Borrello, Oliver Bozanic, Kusini Yengi, Romain Amalfitano, Yeni N’gbakoto, Sulejman Krpic and Lawrence Thomas are just some of the new faces.
Sydney and the Wanderers split the three Derbies last season with a win apiece.
The other Derby dates:
February 11, 2023:
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC – CommBank Stadium
March 18, 2023:
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers – Allianz Stadium
Saturday, October 22: Melbourne Derby
Patrick Kisnorbo’s City are the reigning Premiers and 2021-22 Grand Finalists, looking to go one step further this time around.
It’s the same for Tony Popovic’s Victory, who won the Australia Cup but went down to eventual champions Western United in the ALM’s semi-finals.
The last time these two sides met, Marco Rojas scored two stunners as Victory blitzed City 3-0 in April; the New Zealand international has since departed for Chilean powerhouse Colo-Colo.
The other Derby dates:
December 17, 2022:
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory – AAMI Park
February 18, 2022:
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City – AAMI Park
Friday, October 7:
Grand Final rematch
The last time a ball was kicked in the ALM, Western United were crowned champions.
It was an historic night for John Aloisi’s Western, who hoisted the trophy aloft in just their third season of existence.
The opponents that day? City. They will be out to exact immediate revenge for that 2-0 defeat.
City – who have lured former Eredivisie midfielder Richard van der Venne to Melbourne – will have to buck a trend, having gone five games without victory against Western, dating back to January 2021.
Friday, November 11: Original Rivalry
The final round before the FIFA World Cup break will see the first instalment of the A-Leagues’ Original Rivalry, dating back to 2005, at Coopers Stadium.
Semi-finalists like Victory in 2021-22, Adelaide have been buoyed by the permanent signing of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in ALM history – Craig Goodwin.
Aside from Nani, Victory have also brought in former Adelaide players Tomi Juric and George Timotheou for some extra niggle.
This fixture never disappoints, though last term Victory won both games at Coopers Stadium in the league.
The other Original Rivalry dates:
January 14, 2023:
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory – Coopers Stadium
February 26, 2023:
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United – AAMI Park
Saturday, October 8:
F3 Derby
Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets in Gosford. The Mariners have had more to celebrate in recent seasons, having reached back-to-back Finals series.
In 2021-22 alone, the Mariners had a clean sweep of victories in the competition – 2-1, 4-2 and 2-0. It didn’t make for pretty viewing if you’re a Jets fan.
The Jets missed out on the finals, but Arthur Papas’ men provided plenty of entertainment in their first season under the highly rated Australian head coach.
And while they lost the services of Daniel Penha, the Jets have managed to bring in the likes of Reno Piscopo, Jaushua Sotirio and ex-Perth Glory captain Brandon O’Neill.
It is a contest that rarely disappoints.
The other F3 Derby dates:
December 11, 2022:
Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets – Central Coast Stadium
April 22, 2023:
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners – McDonald Jones Stadium
Friday, December 23:
The Distance Derby
Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix were homeless at one stage or another last season, with COVID-19 wreaking havoc.
But Perth and Wellington will be able to enjoy home comforts for the ‘The Distance Derby‘.
It’s a new era for the Glory, who finished bottom last campaign. Ruben Zadkovich is at the helm of a Perth side hellbent on climbing their way up the standings.
Ufuk Talay’s new-look Phoenix will be looking to build on their finals appearance last term, finally beginning a full campaign at home again.
Saturday, October 29:
Austin v Nani
The marquee men go toe-to-toe in this battle between Brisbane Roar and Victory.
Charlie Austin is in Australia with two clear targets – surpass 200 career goals and help fire the Roar back into silverware contention.
The former Queens Park Rangers, West Brom and Southampton striker has 173 goals to his name, including 34 in the Premier League, as he brings a wealth of experience and firepower to Brisbane.
Nani, on the other hand, brings a Champions League, European Championship and four Premier League titles to Victory, and his iconic goal celebration!
Saturday, October 8:
Yorke’s bow
Dwight Yorke’s coaching journey begins in round one of the A-League Men against Brisbane Roar, and in exciting news for Australian football fans, he will have Daniel Arzani alongside him for the ride.
Yorke got a taste as head coach of the A-Leagues All Stars against LaLiga powerhouse Barcelona in May.
But now the United great takes charge of his first season proper with Macarthur FC after 12 years in punditry and as an ambassador for the Red Devils.
The first opponent for Yorke’s Macarthur? Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium (kick-off 5pm AEST), where Austin will make his ALM bow.
And he has the likes of Daniel Arzani, Matthew Millar, Anthony Carter, Kearyn Baccus and ALM champion Jerry Skotadis at his disposal.
