Ngongotaha captain David Haua said he expected it to be one of his side's hardest games of the season.
"There is a lot of hype around the game and in the community which will raise everyone's performances," he said.
"This will definitely be a difficult game and even though we are unbeaten we aren't feeling that confident.
"It's a huge derby game. It's about who is the better side in Rotorua and each team wants to be the winner.
"Also with the Shield there for the taking I expect United to be more attacking and really go for it. They don't have anything to lose."
The home side come into the game on the back of an impressive 6-1 away win over Tauranga Boys' College 1st XI last Saturday, taking their attacking record to 75 goals so far this season.
Whilst United suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Otumoetai FC First Credit Union last weekend.
But United captain and goalkeeper Andrew Gibbs, who missed the reverse derby because of a rib injury, said there would be no problem getting the team motivated for their crucial clash.
"We are going to go there and give them a tough game," he said.
"Ngongotaha deserve to be where they are because they are the best team in the league but we will look to take the game to them.
"Of course defence will be vital as they have brilliant attacking strength but we can create chances.
"It will be vital to take anything that comes our way. Derby games are special and everyone wants to put on a good show."
And Gibbs and his side are eager to erase the bitter memory of losing in the last minute of the reverse fixture thanks to Ngongotaha substitute Sean Kim's last gasp strike.
"It was a painful loss to take because we had battled so hard," said Gibbs.
"We didn't have a choice in the other match, we had to defend to the death. This time around hopefully we can create a few more chances."
Ngongotaha, in their 50th jubilee year, will be without number one goalkeeper James Towers, who suffered a torn leg muscle last weekend, with Josh Simpson filling in between the goal posts.
The Villagers coach Shane Davis wants his side to continue their impressive winning streak whilst putting on a "stylish display" for the community.
"The objective is to get the points and no motivation is needed in a match up like this," he said.
"I want to see our attacking football on display and moving the ball around quickly.
"Last time United rather shut up shop so to speak, but we won't start playing like that ourselves.
"It's important to put on a good show to encourage and promote the game. The players are role models and idols to the younger kids.
"Hopefully many in the community will be inspired after the weekend."
Today's games
WaiBOP Premiership:
Kick-off 2.45pm
Ngongotaha AFC v Rotorua United , Stembridge Rd 1
SGS Papamoa Premiership v Old Blues Prem, Gordon Spratt Park 6
Cambridge FC Prem v Katikati FC Ambria Premiership, John Kerkhof Park 1
Tauranga City Premiership v Otumoetai FC First Credit Union, Links Ave 1
Matamata Swifts Prem v Tauranga Boys' College 1st XI, Matamata Domain 1
Waikato Unicol AFC Prem v Melville United Prem, Waikato Uni 1
WaiBOP Championship:
Kick-off 12.30
Ngongotaha Champ v Hamilton Wanderers Champ, Stembridge Rd 1
Cambridge FC Champ v Tokoroa AFC Champ, John Kerkhof Park 2
Matamata Swifts Reserve v Te Awamutu Edmond Judd Champ, Matamata Domain 1
Waikato Unicol AFC Reserves v Whakatane Town Champ, Waikato Uni 2
Taupo AFC Champ v Otumoetai FC Mens, Crown Park 1
West Hamilton Champ v Old Blues Champ, Weka St 1
