Soccer: City have good reason to impress in today's opener

Keryn Jordan will be among those leading the charge against Otago United this afternoon. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Roger Wilkinson shrugs off any feeling of apprehension in preparing to pitch Auckland City into their first game of the new season against Otago United at Kiwitea St this afternoon.

"Sure, it is a big challenge," said Wilkinson, who has taken over as the boss at the two-time winning club, "but I don't regard it up there with the biggest challenges I have faced.

"For me it is just another game. I have prepared a team to start a new NZFC season. We certainly have our feet on the ground. We have had a good pre-season, although it has been hampered a little by the shortage of suitable grounds."

Wilkinson, like so many coaches, insists he will continue his "one match at a time" edict, but there is a far bigger picture.

By the end of next month he must name the squad he will take to December's Fifa World Club Championship in Japan. That will be the incentive enough for his players to hit the ground running and impress their new coach.

City, with the most passionate and demanding fans of all championship teams, go into today's opener (4pm) and the season as a whole as screaming hot favourites.

Wilkinson will have to consider his options before naming the team to play Otago. Captain Neil Sykes and new signing Bryan Little are out with injury and Dean Gordon, much to Wilkinson's annoyance, must serve a carry-over suspension.

Asked if this would open the way for midfield workhorse Jonathan Smith, Wilkinson had no comment.

He will again look to his goal-hungry trio of Keryn Jordan - chasing a third golden boot - Grant Young and Paul Urlovic to lead the charge.

City averaged three goals a game last season - their 63 goals 13 better than YoungHeart Manawatu.

The opening round will bring a host of new faces, lineups and the usual early-season expectations.

The expected top four of Auckland City, Waitakere United, Canterbury United and Team Wellington have been drawn against lesser opponents and will chase maximum points.

Waitakere face perhaps the biggest challenge with the Danny Hay-led side travelling to Links Ave tomorrow (4pm) to play a tough Waikato FC side.

Last season's under-performer, Waitakere, must get results and provide answers to their board who appear to have gone along with a sound off-season recruiting policy.

In the first game to kick off the season, Canterbury are at home to Hawkes Bay United today (3pm). Team Wellington play Manawatu at Newtown Park (3pm) tomorrow.