Betfair Live Video: Scores to be settled in the season's first Sydney derby.

Expect the Allianz to be rocking this Saturday.

It's another weekend of live football on Betfair Live Video, and Lewis Watson previews the best of Saturday's action from the Australian A-League...

Central Coast Mariners vs Wellington Phoenix
Saturday 07:00

Many questions have arisen over the Mariners' potential to battle with the big guns at the top of this year's A-League. After finishing third last campaign, Phil Moss' side haven't re-stocked in talent as thoroughly or as expansively as others, leaving the likes of Sydney, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar with a head start this season - luckily for the Mariners, football isn't played on paper...

Last weekend's 1-0 win got the host's season off to a perfect start, as widely tipped 23-year-old Mitchell Duke grabbed a stoppage time winner arguably against the run of play. After dominating the majority of the chances and overall play at the Central Coast Stadium, the Jets would have felt hard done by coming away pointless. 

Duke will likely keep his place come Saturday morning's kick-off, and with new Senegalese striker Malick Mane getting a good 90 minutes under his belt on his debut, expect this partnership to grow quickly, with Richard Vernes ready to fight for a starting spot. The three playmakers sitting in behind Mane is likely to be a continuing trend as this season continues, with Moss preferring the balance it provides for Montgomery and Hutchinson to sit in the middle of the park. 

In their eighth season since forming, it's time for Phoenix to provide some joy for the Kiwi's. With nothing but two fourth placed finishes since their debut, Wellington are a club in constant turmoil, with many believing they may fold when their license runs out in 2016.

After a tenth and ninth back-to-back finish in the league over the last two seasons, Ernie Merrick has the unenviable task of injecting some life into this limp and dispirited squad, trying to convince his players that this is a season for a 'fresh start'.

Without a David Villa, Besart Berisha, or Jeronimo Neumann-esque goal scorer amongst their ranks, Phoenix will once again find their biggest challenge is outweighing their goals conceded to that they score. 

After losing out on the opening day to a late MacLaren goal, Perth escaped the Westpac Stadium with all three points, and if Wellington fail to execute a positive performance on Saturday, they could well end the weekend in all too familiar circumstances - rock bottom of the A-League.

Back Central Coast Mariners to win @ 1.75/7
Back over 2.5 goals @ 1.834/5

Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 09:30

It's another Sydney derby, and after the Wanderers suffered their worst A-League defeat since their birth in 2012, Tony Popovic will be out to convince WSW fans that in their third season, they aren't about to suffer the equivalent of a 'tricky third album'...

With a queue of possible starting strikers at Graham Arnold's expense, the impressive performance of youngster Corey Gameiro in last weekend's draw against Melbourne City may not be enough to see him lead the line in the derby. With Janko, Smeltz and Ibini all back in contention, Arnold has a tricky decision ahead of Saturday morning. 

In an interview this week, Gameiro expressed his awareness of knowing that every week is a competition to keep his place. With the youngster seemingly in awe of his fellow strikers, it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season, and whether Arnold gives him a fair crack at the A-League whip. 

After two fantastic inaugural seasons finishing first and second respectively, Popovic may well have a struggle on his hands in this tricky third season. With last weekend's 4-1 demolition at the hands of Melbourne Victory signaling the club's worst defeat in their (all-but limited) history, a derby day trip to the Allianz Stadium could well set the stall for what kind of season lies ahead for the 'newish' boys. 

With new signings Nikita Rukavytsya and Nikolai Topor-Stanley in contention for a place in Popovic's starting eleven, WSW may have a fresher look to them than in last Friday's season opener, with Popovic surely prioritising solidity at the back from the start - something he has based his side on since landing the job back in 2012.

Much like the annoying younger brother new on the scene, the Wanderers have edged out Sydney in their head-to-head record since this newest of derbies was born. However, with Sydney taking the most recent scalp with a 3-1 win, the hosts will be confident of equaling the record books with a dominant display on Saturday morning.

Although Popovic may turn up to the Allianz with a view to 'park the bus' early doors, expect Sydney to find a way through with their array of talented marksmen. WSW will get their chances, but shouldn't have enough to trouble a rejuvenated Sydney FC.

Recommended Bets:
Back Sydney to win @ 2.6213/8
Back 2-0 to Sydney @ 13.012/1