* New Zealand v Australia
* Bill McKinlay Park, 3pm today
Waitakere United coach Neil Emblen was at the airport on Thursday to welcome New Caledonian champions AS Magenta for today's O-League fourth round group A clash at Fred Taylor Park.
But once he had assisted them through immigration, it was back to business for Waitakere's player/coach who was soon overseeing a final training run to round-off preparations for the crucial tie.
"Every game is vital," said Emblen. "If we are to have any chance of winning the group we have to win this one and then beat Auckland City. Magenta will have the same thoughts. They are only three points behind us so a win would put them back in contention."
Magenta are no mugs. They held Waitakere to 1-1 in Noumea in the season opener and led Auckland City 1-0 before going down 2-1 at Kiwitea St. They also drew 1-1 with Manu Ura in Tahiti.
Emblen has a couple of selection posers with All Whites right back Aaron Scott ready to return.
"I'm not sure if there will be any changes but if Aaron does come back in then either Jack Pelter, Tim Myers or myself will go to the bench," said Emblen. "He is due to start university in a couple of weeks. We will go without him in our remaining NZFC round-robin matches but will still take him to Papeete for the O-League and call him in for the play-offs."
Of any move to replace Danny Robinson in goal after United conceded four goals in last Sunday's 4-3 loss to Team Wellington, Emblen was diplomatic. "Danny will retain his place. He has let in four twice this season but in 12 of the 15 games he has been superb," said Emblen. "[Back-up goalkeeper] Liam Little will get a deserved chance in the next couple of weeks."
In today's other game, the New Zealand women have their chance to erase the memories of Wednesday night's shocker against Australia when the transtasman rivals meet at Bill McKinlay Park in the final match of that series.
Dejected New Zealand coach John Herdman will be looking for more urgency - in particular from the senior members - if they are to have any chance.
New US professional signing Ali Riley, who missed the opener at North Harbour Stadium, returned home yesterday morning and will go into the starting line-up but she alone cannot turn things around.
Herdman hinted that Wednesday second half substitutes Rosie White and Annalie Longo might get a start today against the accomplished Matildas, who have been in an international wilderness for 13 months.
Herdman will be demanding something better than a sometimes sloppy first-up effort. In NZFC action, Auckland City, at home to Canterbury United tomorrow, are poised to take the outright lead for the first time this season as they play one of the two games they have in hand over Waitakere. With the southern conference kicking-off, the first full round of the Lion Foundation Youth League will be played tomorrow.
YOUTH LEAGUE
Tomorrow
* Auckland City v Auckland Manukau, Onehunga High School 11am
* Hawkes Bay v Waikato FC, Park Island 11am
* Team Wellington v Canterbury, Newtown Park 2pm
* Otago v Manawatu, Carisbrook 10am
