Auckland City v Waikato FC
Kiwitea St Tomorrow 2pm
A keenly awaited scrap kicks off the new New Zealand Football Championship season.
Waikato have had a solid pre-season build-up including a win over Waitakere United. They head north under new coach Che Bunce keen to snap a run of six successive losses against an Auckland side who hit their immaculate Kiwitea St pitch running last weekend with a big O-League win.
It's always hard to go past the home side, especially given their record. They would probably have preferred an easier first-up task but at least have the advantage of last weekend's outing to get them ready for this.
The record book suggests last season's grand final winners Auckland City should be too strong in this season's NZFC opener.
Waikato have beaten City only once away from home but that was five years ago. In 14 meetings, City have won nine and lost only three - but none of their last eight.
City coach Paul Posa is not underestimating the visitors. "I saw them when they beat Waitakere at McLennan Park and was impressed. They looked youthful, mobile and energetic," said Posa.
"They are going to be hard to beat. I can see them taking points off a lot of teams and certainly, I'm sure, they will contend this season."
Posa takes some real encouragement from the 5-0 win over the Tahitians but was not surprised.
"We played well and were able to attack strongly from a good defensive platform."
Of his starting line-up tomorrow, Posa said there are likely to be one or two changes. Grant Young will be on the bench and might see some game time as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
For Bunce it is a trip into the unknown.
"I guess it is more about excitement than nerves," said the former All White in anticipation of his first game in charge. "We have had a good build-up and I'm really looking forward to the challenge."
Naming his first starting XI is proving a headache for the 34-year-old as he juggles injury woes - including his own - with other factors before settling on his team.
"It is still 50-50 whether or not I will start," said Bunce. "I'm getting over an ankle injury but won't decide until nearer kick-off whether I will play."
In a late change, Sean Dowling, signed by the club on Thursday night, will start in goal, leaving Scott Robinson on the bench and giving him further time to recover from a finger injury.
It is the naming of his front six - either three in midfield and three up front or a four-two mix - that is giving Bunce most food for thought.
"I'm still tossing about 10 names for six places and won't make a final call until after I have talked to [assistant coach] Kevin O'Leary."
