Sydney FC is striving to hand Melbourne City their first defeat this term as the A-League season resumes after a four-week break due to the World Cup.

The reigning Premiers are looking to keep their brilliant form in the blockbuster game of the league’s seventh round, with this match being their first since head coach Patrick Kisnorbo left to manage French side Troyes.

Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side is preparing for an enormous F3 derby clash with Central Coast while Adelaide aims to continue their three-match winning streak going in their away trip to Brisbane.

Western Sydney faces Wellington as they seek to keep their place inside the top two on the ladder.

Western United meets with Perth in a bottom-of-the-table clash and Melbourne Victory goes against Macarthur FC to close the round as they look to get back to winning ways.

Brisbane challenges Adelaide United in the opening contest on Friday night and Reds manager Carl Veart is hoping that his side can continue the amazing form they displayed prior to the World Cup.

“We’ve looked at a lot of video from what we did well before the break and that’s the standard that the players set for themselves and that’s what we want to get straight back to,” Mr Veart said to media.

Sydney FC hosts Melbourne City in the biggest of three matches on Saturday evening which could feature up to four players from the Socceroos camp from the World Cup.

The Sky Blues will be further boosted by the timely returns of Englishmen Jack Rodwell and Adam Le Fondre to the squad as they fight to earn their maiden win at the newly refurbished Allianz Stadium.

Western Sydney travels to Wellington and they will be desperate for another three points to keep in range of the league leaders.

The New Zealanders are searching for their second win of the campaign in a bid to build some momentum.

Perth and Western United are each vying for victory as they look to kickstart their respective terms.

Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich believes that playing in front of their faithful will give them the extra assistance they need.

“The members and fans of this club always come with their voices and their support and that’s a big help for us…the players will be giving everything to get those points and the fans will help,” Mr Zadkovich told media ahead of the weekend.

Central Coast hosts the first edition of the F3 derby this season against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, with the Jets desperate to snap a three-match losing run.

The Mariners’ camp is boosted by the return of three Socceroos who come in with supreme confidence after a fantastic World Cup campaign.

Melbourne Victory goes away to challenge Macarthur in the final game of the round on Sunday evening, and the Victorian side will be fighting for their second success in Sydney this term.

A-League round 7 fixtures (AEDT)

Brisbane Roar-Adelaide Utd: 19.45, Moreton Daily Stadium, Fri 09 Dec

Wellington Phoenix-WS Wanderers: 17.00, WIN Stadium, Sat 10 Dec

Sydney FC-Melbourne City: 19.45, Allianz Stadium, Sat 10 Dec

Perth Glory-Western United: 22.30, Stirling Park, Sat 10 Dec

CC Mariners-Newcastle Jets: 15.00, Industree Group Stadium, Sun 11 Dec

Macarthur FC-Melbourne Victory: 17.00, Campbelltown Stadium, Sun 11 Dec