The stakes are high this weekend as Victory and City prepare for their second derbies already this season, with each bidding to assert their dominance over the other.

The Melbourne sides headline the A-League’s third round as the reigning premiers aim to make it three straight successes to kick off their title defence.

Western United is looking to get their campaign up and running in their outing with Macarthur FC while Sydney FC is striving to build off last weekend’s win when they meet Adelaide United.

The Newcastle Jets have their eyes on back-to-back wins as they come up against Wellington, with Western Sydney also on the hunt for a third triumph in their fixture with Brisbane Roar.

Central Coast and Perth Glory close the round as each side battles for their first win this term.

Western United contests with Macarthur on Friday night and the current champions will be desperate for the three points after suffering consecutive defeats so far.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are hoping to add to last week’s triumph over the Reds and keep their place in the top three.

Western midfielder Steven Lustica stressed that the club is still confident despite their poor start.

“We’re all positive, we know where we have to improve, we’re going to have a good week of training and make sure we rectify that on Friday,” Lustica said to media ahead of Friday night’s game.

Melbourne Victory will be looking to bounce back from last week’s loss when they host the derby against crosstown rivals Melbourne City on Saturday night.

Victory manager Tony Popovic was displeased with his side’s performance last matchday, acknowledging immediately they would have to improve.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s a good game to have coming up, obviously derbies are special games but we know we have to improve to have a chance,” Mr Popovic told media following their 0-1 loss to the Wanderers last Saturday.

Newcastle takes on a travelling Wellington outfit with the goal of giving their supporters a second straight success to celebrate.

The Jets downed Perth last matchday in their season opener and they will be keen to add to it against the Phoenix, who are still winless despite opening their season with two home matches.

The Wanderers come up against Brisbane with great momentum, having recorded two 1-0 victories, which they will be eager to keep going.

The Queenslanders are in a much worse position by comparison, bagging a single point thus far, a fact which will motivate them to fight for their maiden win.

Sydney FC is hoping they can secure a better outcome at the newly-furnished Allianz Stadium when they face Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

The Sky Blues’ homecoming was spoiled by bitter rivals Melbourne Victory which will make them all the hungrier to deliver a win in front of the Sydney faithful.

Central Coast collides with Perth on Sunday evening in their final match of the round, with both sides seeking their first three points this term.

The Mariners are in slightly better spirits, having recorded an away draw in their only contest so far, while Glory is in dire need of a win to kickstart their season which has already started as bad as the previous one ended.

A-League round 3 fixtures (AEDT)

Western Utd-Macarthur FC: 19.45, AAMI Park, Fri 21 Oct

WS Wanderers-Brisbane Roar: 17.00, CommBank Stadium, Sat 22 Oct

Newcastle Jets-Wellington Phoenix: 17.00, McDonald Jones Stadium, Sat 22 Oct

Melbourne Victory-Melbourne City: 19.45, AAMI Park, Sat 22 Oct

Sydney FC-Adelaide United: 15.00, Allianz Stadium, Sun 23 Oct

CC Mariners-Perth Glory: 17.00, Central Coast Stadium, Sun 23 Oct