KEY POINTS:
Waitakere United against Auckland City is not in the same league as the long-standing Liverpool v Everton rivalry but in its own way the battle for supremacy in the Queen City holds just as much interest for the club's respective fans.
There is no love lost when the
two teams go head to head - there have been 20 such contests since the formation of the New Zealand Football Championship in 2004 - just a genuine desire not only to win but to be acclaimed the country's best.
On that count, City hold sway with nine wins and five draws (and another win taken from them after fielding an ineligible player) in all NZFC and O-League match-ups.
But, in more recent times, the pendulum has swung United's way with four wins and three draws in seven meetings since the 2007 NZFC grand final.
In those seven games, City have only once scored more than a goal - in the 2-2 O-League draw at Kiwitea St last November.
But, if Waitakere coach Chris Milicich sees this as a reason to be
confident going into this afternoon's game at Trusts Stadium he certainly is not showing it.
"They are probably a little more settled than we are at the moment," said Milicich. "Sure, losing a player like Grant Young hasn't helped them but in players like Keryn Jordan and Paul Urlovic they have quality players capable of leading any attack.
"One thing we know for sure, they are pretty confident that they have a chance. It is up to us to match their enthusiasm. If anything, Waikato, last Saturday, have helped play Auckland City into form." While City have named the same squad who beat Waikato 3-0, Milicich will make changes.
He is without midfielder Paul Seaman who has copped a two-match ban after being sent off against Hawkes Bay and will also miss Monday's catch-up against Waikato.
Milicich is also likely to have All Whites striker Allan Pearce back in consideration after he was badly injured in the Fifa Club World Cup loss in Tokyo.
"It is a call we will not make until the day," said Milicich. "He looks close to his best but we are not going to take any risks."
The only points Waitakere have dropped this season have been in draws - 1-1 against Canterbury and 0-0 against Hawkes Bay - at Trusts Stadium.
Milicich knows wins in the weekend double-header will have United well placed in the run home and with it the chance to claim the automatic O-League spot.
For City, a loss would be unthinkable as they would fall behind their great rival who would also end the day with two games still in hand.
In other games today, Waikato are at home to Canterbury United and YoungHeart Manawatu entertain Otago United. Team Wellington are at home to Hawkes Bay tomorrow.