Wairarapa United have a tough schedule over the next month.
The region's top-ranking football organisation basically faces four weeks from hell, starting with a Central League match against defending champions Napier City Rovers at Park Island, Napier, this Sunday and another Central League match against perennial title contenders MiramarRangers at Dave Farrington Park, Miramar, the following Saturday.
And then comes Queen's Birthday weekend which sees them playing Central League leaders Wellington Olympic at Howard Booth Park, Carterton, on the Saturday and a second encounter with Miramar Rangers, this time as part of the Chatham Cup elimination process, again at Dave Farrington Park on Monday.
With just one win and one draw from their five matches to date, Wairarapa United are mid-table in the Central League series and even their most ardent supporter would agree a first title looks a long way off.
The good news for Wairarapa United going into Sunday's match with Napier City Rovers is they appear to have got over the injury hassles which have been a constant bugbear.
There are still some doubts over the fitness of hard-nosed defender Esava Naqueleca who has issues with a knee but coach Phil Keinzley says the player is "very confident" he will be available.
A possible starting XI could be: Matt Borren, Carl Shailer, Waisake Sabatu, Esava Naqueleca, Adam Cowan, Josh Margretts, Aaron Speirling, Nathan Cooksley, Dale Higham, George Jermy and Seule Soromon.
Noticeable absentees are Chileans Jorge de la Torre and Jonatan Almendra as both have returned home after failing to meet Keinzley's expectations and having difficulty with work visas.
Keinzley is expecting a battle royal against Napier City Rovers who started the season slowly but have shown improved form in the past few games.
"They are always tough to bowl at home, it's always a big ask to take points off them there," he said.
