Phoenix to face Adelaide in opener

WELLINGTON: New Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic’s team will begin its ALeague season with an early evening kickoff against Adelaide United in Wellington.

The October 8 fixture will be followed by away trips to defending champion Sydney FC and FFA Cup holder Melbourne City.

Saturday nights will then become the norm for the Nix, with up to seven home fixtures at Westpac Stadium.

The Phoenix will play Newcastle Jets at QBE Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore on March 17.

One or two other home matches will also be hosted outside Wellington. Dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.

The ALeague finals series begins on the weekend of April 2022, and the grand final is scheduled for May 56.

Football Federation Australia has tweaked the season draw, seeking to counter last season’s flat home run by ensuring each club plays every opponent in the final nine rounds. — NZN