It is way too early in this particular season to wager on which sides will be thereabouts come late August in the title race, but the two opponents out on the park today are a fair bet to be in close contention.
City coach Karl Hayward has dual issues to deal with today, starting with the unknown factor surrounding Taradale due to their bye last weekend - no gauge has been set in terms of results thus far. But also for Hayward there are selection dilemmas in the form of player availability.
Defender Collie Siew looks doubtful after last weekend's draw against North End while off-season signing James Oxtoby is still hampered with a calf injury and remains a long shot to participate.
Add in a bout of the flu for midfielder Zane Robinson and Hayward will be looking to his squad depth early in the campaign.
There was collective relief when stalwart defender Joshua Annabell returned to training this week and Jordan Hodgkinson ran freely after picking up a hamstring injury pre-season.
There will be a few reshuffles positional-wise for Hayward - with a hope for the spirit shown last week when his side came from behind twice - to gain some points this afternoon.
Taradale for their part must be keen to start off with a good performance and showing up against a perceived threat in City at home.
One factor which may play a part, if Hawkes Bay sides of the past are anything to go by, is physicality. Historically, Taradale have always possessed tall and strong defenders who are a threat at set pieces.
The Chris McIvor-coached side have been training hard since early January and Taradale have taken the lead in being the only Hawkes Bay club prepared to enter a team in the Central Federation League competing with the best teams from Manawatu, Wanganui and Taranaki.
If they also have ambitions of a Central League play-off berth, they will prove a stern test for the locals today.Wanganui City vs Taradale FC, 2.30pm, Wembley Park.
