Soccer: New look City has advantage in square off with United

All Whites reserve David Mulligan could join City's midfield tomorrow. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Still smarting from last season's failure to turn their domination of the local league into success on the international stage, Auckland City and Waitakere United are back at it again, squaring off in tomorrow's ASB Premiership battle at Kiwitea St.

Honours were shared last season with City claiming the minor premiership in the old New Zealand Football Championship and Waitakere getting up to claim the grand final.

The always keenly awaited grudge match of the season comes after three outings for both teams to prepare.

City have history on their side.

In 19 matches between the two clubs at this level, starting with City's 3-1 away win in November 2004, City have won 11 (and lost another on appeal after winning 1-0). Three have been drawn. Waitakere have won only five (including that October 2006 boardroom triumph).

The teams go into the match after contrasting off-seasons.

City have had a heap of changes including a radical call to go with co-coaches, entrusting Aaron McFarland and Ramon Tribulietx with the role after Paul Posa took the team to the Club World Cup.

Following Posa out the gate were a host of players including Paul Urlovic, Greg Uhlmann, Ki-Hyung Lee, Chad Coombes, Jason Hayne, Keryn Jordan, Grant Young, Milos Nikolic and Matt Williams.

In have come David Mulligan, Luis Corrales, Phil Edginton, Adam Thomas and Stu Kelly among others. The challenge for the coaching duo is producing another championship contending line-up blending survivors and newcomers.

McFarland insists it's "wait and see" if Mulligan plays after returning from Singapore tonight. It would be a surprise if the All Whites midfielder didn't play some part.

Unlike the very changed City camp, Waitakere have a settled look with the only notable losses Benjamin Totori and Brent Fisher.

Coach Neil Emblen is happy with his lot to the extent he has sat out the last two games, happy to entrust the task to his largely young squad.

Tomorrow's game promises to be another classic with City backing their winning home record against a United team who overcame a so-so start to their season with a convincing win over Hawkes Bay last week.

Elsewhere, most interest will be on the game between Team Wellington and Canterbury United - third and fourth in the regular season a year ago.

ASB Premiership
* Auckland City v Waitakere United
* Kiwitea St
* Tomorrow 3pm

ASB Youth League
* Waitakere United v Hawkes Bay
* Fred Taylor Park
* Today 2.30pm

Waikato FC v Auckland City
* Links Ave, Mt Maunganui
* Today 1pm