Auckland City will tread warily but should still have too much fire-power for bottom-placed Canterbury United in the NZFC round opener tomorrow.
Smarting from their midweek O-League loss, City will see this as the chance to quickly return to winning form and consolidate their handy lead at thetop of the table.
It promises to be a more free-flowing affair than the game they played against Waitakere United on Wednesday, which should suit the home side.
Of added interest will be the impending return of former golden boot winner Keryn Jordan, who is likely to have a run in a lesser game in the hope of then making an early return to NZFC action.
Waitakere are back in the air for the trip to Napier and what should be a three-pointer against an under-strength Hawkes Bay side who went down 5-0 when the two sides met a fortnight ago.
There were signs of tiredness against City but coach Chris Milicich will be hoping he can get one more game from his team before a few days off.
Waikato FC too have lost players to the Olympic squad. They have also been hit by suspensions for the journey to Palmerston North. A draw might be their best hope against a YoungHeart Manawatu who have boosted their squad for the run to the finish.
The best odds appear to be in the deep south with Otago given little chance against a Team Wellington side who still need points to guarantee their place in the playoffs. Again, a draw could be worth a look.
