Soccer: Omens favour City in local derby

Neil Emblen. Photo / Dean Purcell

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.

City coach Ramon Tribulietx said he expected Waitakere to do something different today after losing to his team this season. "They know that if they win they will go to the top so I'm sure they will try something different, but our style is our style and we will stick to that."

Waitakere coach Neil Emblen is unlikely to make many changes from the team that thumped Otago United 5-0.

"The boys are up for it. It is hard not to see these games as special. Either way, there will be a momentum shift. If Auckland win they will go well clear but if we get up, it could close the whole thing up. But we know we are up against it. They are the best for a reason.""

In today's other game, Canterbury are aware that a win over Hawkes Bay could take them to at least a share of the lead if City don't win.

ASB Premiership

Auckland City v Waitakere United
Kiwitea Street
Today 2pm
Referee: Mirko Benischke

Canterbury United v Hawkes Bay United
ASB Football Park
Today 3pm
Referee: Jamie Cross

Otago United v YoungHeart Manawatu
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Tomorrow noon
Referee: John Rowbury

Waikato FC v Team Wellington
Porritt Stadium
Tomorrow 1pm
Referee: Matt Stoneman

Hawkes Bay United v Auckland City
Park Island
Monday 2pm
Referee: Nick Waldron.