Melbourne City is seeking an immediate return to winning ways after a maiden loss last week, though the challenges keep coming as they look to navigate a tricky derby fixture against a Melbourne Victory side eager for revenge.

The two Melbourne clubs are set to headline the A-League’s eighth round in what is their second meeting of the campaign, with Victory particularly keen to make up for a derby loss in the previous meeting.

Western United (the other Melbourne side) battles a tough Western Sydney team ready to pounce on any dropped points from City as they continue their push towards the top of the ladder.

Arthur Papas’ Newcastle Jets are looking to down Brisbane while their F3 rivals, Central Coast, face off with a reinvigorated Sydney FC outfit.

Macarthur clashes with Perth to close the round as both teams strive to build up some momentum.

Newcastle hosts Brisbane in the weekend’s opening game on Friday morning and the Jets will be doing their all to break down a stubborn Roar side.

The Queenslanders have found winning difficult, though their four draws and solitary loss proves their ability to fight, a good quality they can build upon to earn more wins.

Wellington goes up against Adelaide on Saturday afternoon and they will both be desperate to go a step further after each drawing in the previous round.

The Reds will take confidence from the return of Socceroo and captain Craig Goodwin, who missed last week due to illness.

The highly anticipated Melbourne derby headlines one of two Saturday evening clashes, with both teams out to secure bragging rights.

Victory coach Tony Popovic was left pleased with his club’s first game back from the World Cup break and assured his line-up and the supporters will be ready for the massive match.

“We’ve got a big derby to look forward to, we know we’ll be ready to play our part – and I’m sure our fans will play a part as well,” Mr Popovic said to media after their 0-1 win against Macarthur last weekend.

Central Coast challenges Sydney FC on Saturday evening and the Sky Blues will be in great spirits after becoming the first team to defeat the league leaders this season.

Sydney manager Steve Corica was thoroughly impressed with his team’s performances against City as well as the friendly against Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side in November, hoping this level of form is sustained.

“Our challenge now is to be consistent and maintain the high standards that the boys have set. This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to continue that form against a good team with a lot of attacking threats,” Mr Corica said to media in the lead-up to this weekend.

The struggling Western United goes head-to-head with Western Sydney on Sunday afternoon with the defending champions in desperate need of three points, having only earned a collective four from their seven outings thus far.

The Wanderers will do their all to keep their opponents’ troubles going as they aim to reach the top of the table, currently being two points behind City.

Macarthur and Perth close out the round on Sunday evening in what looms as a tricky fixture for both clubs, with both sides having been inconsistent in their results despite playing very hard-fought and close matches.

A-League round 7 fixtures (AEDT)

Newcastle Jets-Brisbane Roar: 19.45, McDonald Jones Stadium, Fri 16 Dec

Wellington Phoenix-Adelaide United: 13.00, Sky Stadium, Sat 17 Dec

CC Mariners-Sydney FC: 17.00, Industree Group Stadium, Sat 17 Dec

Melbourne City-Melbourne Victory: 19.45, AAMI Park, Sat 17 Dec

Western United-WS Wanderers: 15.00, AAMI Park, Sun 18 Dec

Macarthur FC-Perth Glory: 17.00, Campbelltown Stadium, Sun 18 Dec