The two Melbourne-named sides are preparing for another fierce encounter as City aims to protect their slender lead in first.
The reigning premiers will be wary of their rivals in the most-anticipated fixture of the A-League’s 19th round, who are looking to rebound from their midweek failure to qualify for the AFC Champions League.
Sydney FC has another chance to defeat Western United, who themselves are hoping to pounce on a City slip-up and reclaim first position.
Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side hosts Wellington Phoenix while Central Coast collides with Macarthur FC.
Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar battle in a bottom-of-the-table clash as Western Sydney faces Adelaide in a quick turnaround rematch from their midweek contest.
Newcastle plays Wellington at home on Friday evening in a must-win game for the Jets.
The Novocastrians are desperate to put an end to their three-match losing streak.
The Phoenix is looking to bounce back from their loss last round which ended their six-match unbeaten run.
Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory are set for their second meeting this campaign with both teams desperate for the three points.
The current champions cannot afford to drop points as they charge for the Premiership, with only a one-point lead over Western United.
Victory is keen to bounce back after losing away to Japanese side, Vissel Kobe, 4-3 in extra time to end their AFC Champions League qualification hopes.
Former Victory and current City winger Andrew Nabbout dismissed any notion that their rivals will be disadvantaged come the weekend.
“If we go into that game thinking it’s going to be easy because they’ve travelled, then we’ve probably lost the game before we even go in…They are always going to be up for it, especially in a derby,” Nabbout said pre-match.
Sydney FC and Western are preparing for their third clash in five weeks, with the Sydneysiders back in good spirits after back-to-back successes in their last two outings.
The Green and Blacks are in great form, nine matches without a loss, and they will be extra motivated by their title race.
The Sky Blues will be without star forward Kosta Barbarouses due to national duty with New Zealand but their coach, Steve Corica, did confirm the return of some crucial players from injury.
“(Milos) Ninkovic’s hamstring from last week has healed up really well so he’ll be back. (Anthony) Caceres is back as well. The bruising on his foot is a lot better,” Mr Corica said pre-match.
Macarthur travels to face Central Coast with the Bulls striving to ascend towards the top of the ladder.
The Campbelltown outfit will be encouraged by their win over the Wanderers last week as they aim to jump Adelaide United in third.
The Mariners need to earn all three points if they wish to get their season back on track.
Perth hosts Brisbane in a must-win contest for both sides.
Glory has yet to win a single of their games in their home state, a fact which is concerning for the Western Australians who believed a return to Perth would revitalise their season.
The Roar has not had much better fortune than their opponents, though their triumph over Wellington last week serves as a good reminder of their quality.
Western Sydney plays Adelaide United with the Reds looking for payback.
The Wanderers come in with great confidence, having downed the South Australians in their own backyard on Wednesday.
Adelaide will be very motivated to return the favour as they seek some much-desired revenge.
A-League Round 19 fixtures currently scheduled at time of publication
Newcastle Jets-Wellington Phoenix: 19.45, McDonald Jones Stadium, Fri 18 Mar
CC Mariners-Macarthur FC: 17.05, Glen Willow Regional Sporting Complex, Sat 19 Mar
Melbourne City-Melbourne Victory: 19.45, AAMI Park, Sat 19 Mar
Sydney FC-Western United (round 18): 19.45, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sat 19 Mar
Perth Glory-Brisbane Roar: 22.45, HBF Park, Sat 19 Mar
WS Wanderers-Adelaide United: 19.05, CommBank Stadium, Sun 20 Mar
