Auckland City head into today's top-of-the-table ASB Premiership battle against arch-rivals Waitakere United with the omens very much in their favour.
Since the two clubs first met - in the old New Zealand Football Championship - in November 2004, they have played each other 34 times in all competitions. City have won 16, United eight, and 10 have been drawn. In 15 home games, City have won seven and lost three, while in the national competition's 19 clashes, they have won 10 and Waitakere six.
City also have results this season to further back their claims, winning 3-2 in the pre-season ASB Charity Cup, and 3-1 in their premiership battle a month later.
Even surprise draws in their last two outings - 0-0 at home to Waikato FC and 1-1 away to Team Wellington - have done nothing to dampen their favouritism for the title.
A win today would take them five points clear of their rivals with the chance to stretch that to eight on Monday when they are away to Hawkes Bay in a catch-up game.
