A real Friday night blockbuster, two unbeaten teams with a decade of history and rivalry between them going head-to-head in a terrific football environment in front of a large crowd. Victory is almost at full strength, while the Reds might regain Bruce Djite and Marcelo Carrusca. Both sides are desperate to make a statement, and the 1-1 draw in round two offers few clues as the Adelaide Oval surface was poor for soccer. Victory 2-1 perhaps the way to go.

BRISBANE ROAR v PERTH GLORY

Roar turns out for the first time since the shock sacking of coach Mike Mulvey last weekend, just six games into a new season after he had led them to grand final glory last campaign. They were effective enough against Victory last week, only losing to a Jade North own goal. Pressure is on now against table-topping Perth Glory, who now have to show they are as good on the road against difficult opposition as they are at home. Roar to win.

WESTERN SYDNEY v SYDNEY FC

The derby action heats up again in the harbour city, and another cracker is in store. These two sides produced a classic encounter early in the season and there is no reason why we can't have the same again. The Sky Blues are unbeaten this season and have a tougher edge under new coach Graham Arnold, while the Wanderers, Asian champions, are at the foot of the A-League and still haven't won this campaign. There would be no better time for Tony Popovic's men to get off the mark than here.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX V MELBOURNE CITY

Both sides are in need of points after disappointing results in their last two matches. The Phoenix has been on the road, going down narrowly to both Perth and Adelaide in the last fortnight, while City crashed at home to Sydney and then squandered three points by conceding two late goals against the Mariners. City won impressively here last season but they look a different, more fragile team at the moment. The Nix will enjoy playing in front of their own fans, and might be able to get the points.

NEWCASTLE JETS v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Two clubs who are bumping about at the wrong end of the table and looking badlly in need of a shot in the arm. Had Brisbane not sacked Mulvey last week, these two would probably have taken the mantle of crisis club. The Jets were abject in their loss to Brisbane but looked much better with that draw against the Wanderers, while the Mariners went the other way - showing plenty of spirit to come back against City a fortnight ago, but being outplayed by Adelaide on their own ground last weekend. The Jets might just get their first win of the season here.