It’s finally time for real football.

The players are prepared and eager to step onto the field after about five months of inactivity.

The teams have invested a considerable amount of money during the transfer window, and we all hope that this will be reflected on the pitch during the season.

A series of important games begins the season.

The reigning champions, the Mariners, will open the weekend on Friday night as they travel to South Australia to face their formidable opponents from last season, Adelaide United.

The Mariners are eager to demonstrate their strength and determination at the start of the year and show their friends and rivals that they will not easily give up their title. Meanwhile, Adelaide United is determined to prove that their successful run last year was not a fluke and that they have the capabilities to achieve another successful season.

During the transfer window, both teams have suffered losses as some of the league’s best players have chosen to pursue opportunities abroad.

The Mariners have observed the departures of Jason Cummings to the Indian league and Beni Nkololo to the Saudi Arabian league, while the hosts have lost their top player, Craig Goodwin, who has also joined the Saudi Arabian league.

The football extravaganza continues on Saturday with a thrilling lineup of matches.

But all eyes will be on the sparkling city of Sydney as the local team, Sydney FC, gets ready to kick off against their rivals Melbourne Victory in a much-anticipated derby.

The match is set to attract a massive crowd, with hopes high for a victorious start to the new league season.

With some serious investment in the transfer window, the club’s management is banking on the two new talented Brazilians, Striker Gomes and center back Lacerda, to lead the team to glory.

Meanwhile, Victory has their hopes pinned on the arrival of the new star, Daniel Arzani from Macarthur, to ignite their season.

And let’s not forget the veteran player, Jake Brimmer, who is determined to reclaim the team’s top spot in the league.

All in all, Saturday’s match promises to be a sizzler, filled with drama, excitement, and some serious ball skills.

But wait, the derby games don’t stop there.

Just before the Sydney versus Victory match kicks off, we have the thrilling Melbourne derby between City and Western United.

Let’s see if City’s big bucks can buy them a clear victory, but don’t underestimate the grit and determination of United.

They may have lost star player Prijovic, but their new lineup has got some serious kick, especially with Japanese wonder kid Riku Danzaki leading the charge from Melbourne’s western suburbs.

He’s got some fancy footwork.

Closing out Saturday’s games is a showdown between Macarthur and Brisbane Roar.

The hosts are shaking off last season’s dumpster fire and have brought in some impressive players, like Frenchman Germain and Greek-born Yannis Nikolaou, to climb back to the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Brisbane is banking on their promising young squad and voyaging to New South Wales with hopes of a victorious kick-off. Keep an eye on Markovski, last year’s top scorer from NPL Victoria, who brings his skills and high expectations after joining from Altona Magic.

And let’s not forget about the wise and experienced Berenguer, who will undoubtedly provide essential leadership both on and off the field.

As the weekend’s fiery battle draws to a close on Sunday, there are two thrilling fixtures to keep your eyes on.

Kicking things off at 3 o’clock, the Western Sydney Wanderers will play host to the Wellington Phoenix all the way from the stunning land of New Zealand.

With major upgrades to their squad, the home team is aiming for an even greater season than before, where they nabbed the fourth spot in the rankings.

But let’s not overlook the Phoenix, who seemed to have skimped on their spending this transfer window.

Who knew such unwavering faith in their current players could be considered a bold move? Even though they snagged a respectable sixth place last season, it was clear they were no match for the top dogs in terms of talent and efficiency.

As the first matchday wraps up, Perth Glory prepares to make their triumphant start against the Newcastle Jets.

Keep an eye out for their new recruits, Antonis Martis and Bruce Kamau, who brought their talents from faraway lands to spice up Alen Stajcic’s squad. Martis, a Cypriot midfielder plucked from England’s Sunderland, and Kamau, a winged wonder hailing from Nairobi who abandoned OFI and Crete to bring some much-needed speed and creativity. It’s safe to say the Jets are in for a wild ride.

A – League – Round 1 Schedule

Friday 20/10

Adelaide United – Central Coast Mariners 19:45

Saturday 21/10

Macarthur v Brisbane Roar 15:30

Melbourne City – Western United 17:30

Syndey – Melbourne Victory 19:45

Sunday 22/10

Western Sydney Wanderers – Wellington Phoenix 15:00

Perth Glory – Newcastle Jets 19:45