KEY POINTS:
Stung by the off-field ruling which stripped them of three hard-earned points, Auckland City go into this afternoon's NZFC home game with Waikato FC on a mission.
It shapes as a one-sided romp for Roger Wilkinson-coached City against a team smarting from a 5-0 drubbing. But, Wilkinson quickly pointed out, that result was a little misleading.
"They were only 0-1 when they had a player sent off," said Wilkinson. "That can make a huge difference. They will come to Kiwitea St fancying their chances as they have done well against Auckland City in the past."
Reality suggests something different, especially with City coming off their first clean sheet of the season. Fired up after losing the points they won out west, Auckland City have all the incentive they need.
"I have never come across anything like that anywhere," said Wilkinson. "It seems the rules have been bent and a fast one pulled.
"We had an international player [James Pritchett] who was genuinely injured but came right and was fit to play but we have been punished for playing him. It doesn't make sense."
City's appeal is likely to be received by New Zealand Soccer on Monday with a decision expected by the end of next week.
Ironically, Pritchett has been troubled by a different injury this week but appeared to come right on Thursday and could play today. Captain Neil Sykes expects to play, while Chad Coombes and Jon Perry will need late fitness checks.
Paul Urlovic could also see some action after coming back from injury and illness as Wilkinson is keen to see as many players as possible before he trims his squad for the Club World Cup in Japan from 30 to 23.
YoungHeart Manawatu, leaders on goal difference, must bounce back from their first dropped points of the season - a 1-1 draw in Napier - if they are to stave off the expected challenge from a Waitakere United side who have unexpectedly found themselves sharing top spot.
United coach Steve Cain will wait until the last opportunity before naming his team for what could prove to be the most crucial match of their season.
In other games, Hawkes Bay United are at home to Otago today and Canterbury travel to play Team Wellington tomorrow.
