Newcastle Jets

Sydney Rhyan Grant insists Sydney FC are not underestimating cellar-dwelling Western Sydney Wanderers as the two teams prepare to square-off in the Sydney derby on Saturday.

Wellington Phoenix Wellington Phoenix will be missing seven players for their A-League showdown with Sydney FC but coach Ernie Merrick is adamant the leaders can deal with the absentees.

Melbourne Victory Albanian striker Besart Berisha has set the stage for a fierce Melbourne derby after claiming Melbourne Victory are the number one team in the 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.

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.

Perth Glory A day of high drama for Perth Glory ended in a 3-0 defeat to Sydney, although if Football Federation Australia's ruling stands they will not be able to compete in the finals anyway.

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.

The A-League starts on Thursday and Melbourne Victory are favourites to defend their crown.