Melbourne City

Sydney Sydney will be without Nikola Petkovic and Jacques Faty for Saturday's showdown with rivals Melbourne Victory but coach Graham Arnold is confident he has the quality in depth to deal with the losses.

Frank Lampard Manchester City's Frank Lampard says he would have enjoyed playing for Melbourne City if a move to the A-League had transpired.

Sydney Shane Smeltz came off the bench to score twice for Sydney FC as they played out a gripping 3-3 draw with A-League leaders Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Melbourne City Wellington Phoenix missed a chance to regain first place in the A-League, but did close in on the frontrunners after drawing 0-0 away to Melbourne City.

Melbourne Victory A-League leaders Melbourne Victory can consolidate top spot when they host cellar-dwellers Newcastle Jets on Friday.

Sydney Sydney FC only need a draw to finish second in the A-League, while Melbourne Victory look set to seal the Premier's Plate.

Melbourne Victory Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat expects Besart Berisha to be much-improved when his side face Brisbane Roar for the second time in four days on Saturday.

Melbourne Victory Melbourne Victory will have to get used to life without talisman Mark Milligan, who is suspended ahead of the local derby.

Perth Glory A-League leaders Perth Glory needed a Richard Garcia equaliser to rescue a point at Melbourne City on Boxing Day.

Melbourne City Returning marquee player Robert Koren expects success to continue at Melbourne City, as they aim to upset A-League leaders Perth Glory.