By TERRY MADDAFORD
A week out from the much-anticipated all-Auckland clash against Waitakere United, Auckland City coach Allan Jones will be looking for something positive from this afternoon's clash with in-form Canterbury United at Kiwitea St.
Danny Halligan brings United north as one of only two unbeaten teams in the New
Zealand Football Championship and keen to add to his team's impressive start.
Keen to back up from last Sunday's strong performance in holding leaders Waitakere to a 0-0 draw, Halligan has named an unchanged side. Jones will make changes after City's surprise 1-0 loss to Otago United last week.
Captain Neil Sykes returns from suspension to add some midfield spark while on the bench, Papua New Guinea representative Reg Davani and much-travelled Marcus Phillips will await their chance.
In the other weekend match, Waikato FC head south to play Otago United tomorrow.
Waikato have yet to lose away and fancy their chances.
Key defender Craig Flowerday should return after a couple of weeks out with injury. Garry Board and Shaun Easthope are also expected to play as Waikato seek to prove their win over Team Wellington was no fluke.
"It was a good win against what we think was a very good team," manager James Pamment said. "Their position doesn't suggest it, but they [Team Wellington] will emerge as a top side."
Otago coach Johan Koutstaal will put out the same team who beat Auckland City for the match at the Caledonian Ground.
Adam Letts and Croyden Wheeler return from injury but may have to await their chance on the substitutes' bench.
The Vanuatu influence will again be evident with Victor Maleb and Graham Demas expected to start in a game in which Waikato FC are at surprisingly long odds.
* Waitakere United fought back from a goal down at halftime to edge out YoungHeart Manawatu 2-1 in a hard-fought game in Palmerston North last night.
Napier City and Team Wellington drew 2-2 in Napier after City led 2-0 at halftime, and still had that advantage with 10 minutes remaining.
