Western United is looking to earn back-to-back wins for the first time this season in a mouth-watering derby against Melbourne Victory on Boxing Day.

The defending champions and Victory are preparing for their first meeting since last season’s finals series in a blockbuster battle to headline the A-League’s ninth round.

Sydney FC is set for their own local clash with Macarthur FC as they look to avenge a poor result last weekend, with Western Sydney also seeking an improved performance when they face Brisbane.

Melbourne City is looking to get past the dramas from the messy Melbourne derby by downing Central Coast while Perth aims to muster a home win against Wellington.

Arthur Papas’ Newcastle Jets are desperately searching for three points against Adelaide after suffering two losses in the past week.

Brisbane hosts the Wanderers in the opening fixture on Friday night and they will be fighting to preserve their five-match unbeaten run.

The Paramatta-based team is hoping to get back in form following a surprise defeat in the previous matchday against Western United, a result which kept them from seizing first place.

Perth challenges Wellington with the goal of securing a second home triumph since the league restart.

The Glory come into this home clash with positivity after winning at the same ground two weeks ago, though they will have to be wary of a dangerous Phoenix side coming off a dominant win over the Reds.

Sydney FC takes on Macarthur FC in a major Saturday night meeting which marks Bulls coach Dwight Yorke’s first time back at Allianz Stadium since he played for the Sydneysiders.

The former Sky Blue striker goes head-to-head with past teammate Steve Corica in his return to his former stomping ground, with the Sydney manager exercising caution as they strive to earn a good result against a team eager to defeat them.

“I’m sure he’s excited about it. He spent a very good here when we won the Grand Final in the first year,” Mr Corica said to media ahead of the game.

“We need to be ready for what they will throw at us, but we want to play good football as well and get the win.”

Western United hosts the first derby against Melbourne Victory this campaign on Monday evening and they will be ready to capitalise on their improved momentum following a much-needed success over the Wanderers.

This is Victory’s first outing since last round’s violent pitch invasion in the Melbourne derby, and they will be completely focused on ensuring their football is what garners most attention.

Melbourne City plays Central Coast at home on Tuesday morning in a bid to move on from some disappointing results of late.

The reigning premiers had their last clash cut short due to extraordinary circumstances and lost to Sydney in the opening fixture following the World Cup break, making this a most important contest for the league leaders to regain their form.

Adelaide competes with Newcastle in what they hope will be a well-earned win in their return match to Coopers Stadium.

The Reds have not played in front of their home faithful since November 11 and so will be raring to go, a fact which could spell trouble for a Jets team trying to recover after two losses in the past week.

A-League round 8 fixtures (AEDT)

Brisbane Roar-WS Wanderers: 19.45, Kayo Stadium, Fri 23 Dec

Perth Glory-Wellington Phoenix: 22.30, Stirling Park, Fri 23 Dec

Sydney FC-Macarthur FC: 17.00, Allianz Stadium, Sat 24 Dec

Western United-Melbourne Victory: 18.00, AAMI Park, Mon 26 Dec

Melbourne City-CC Mariners: 17.00, AAMI Park, Tue 27 Dec

Adelaide United- Newcastle Jets: 19.45, Coopers Stadium, Tue 27 Dec