It’s just about time for the second derby, and this is the one we’ve been waiting for. Our only home derby of the season, and the weather is on track to be a pearler. Saturday is going to be a day you don’t want to miss.
It’s the second derby of the season, and will be the fifth episode in the AFC versus Wellington series. It’s no secret, everybody knows – Auckland (obviously being the superior team in the superior city) are four from four in this fixture, having outscored their rivals twelve times to their measly three. That means we’re averaging a whopping three goals per game against them, wow.
Despite the new IKEA being opened and expecting large numbers over the upcoming days, the stands will be packed, the Port will be in full force, and the fans expect nothing but a fifth derby win in a row to keep the bragging rights in Auckland.
However, there is a feeling that this game might not be as easy to predict as we would like it to be. For whatever reason, Auckland FC aren’t firing on all cylinders. In fact, the last time we won was our visit to the Cake Tin back in round four, where we won 2-1, thanks to a brace from Sam Cosgrove. Since then, we managed a 1-1 draw against Brisbane and a 2-1 loss last weekend to the Newcastle Jets. A foreign feeling of doom and gloom for AFC fans, we’re not used to not winning.
Now, let’s just go over last weekend’s result before people start to panic. Sure, we lost the match, but we lost under extreme weather conditions. What Jake Brimmer said in his post-match interview was nearly correct by saying “both teams had to endure the conditions and play in the rain, so that’s not an excuse.” Yes, both teams did have to play in it, but we got the worst of the rain in the second half.
We were 2-1 down for the entirety of the half, with the tactic of trying to launch balls in the box from the wings being our only option. The middle of the pitch was flooded. Those elements gave us a little bit of a reason for not being able to play with more diversity. Anyway, calm down, we’re 3rd in the league, one point behind first-placed Sydney FC. Depending on the results of the two teams above us, a win could see us back at the summit of the A-League come Sunday night.
The Wellington Phoenix should be coming into this game with confidence after last weekend’s 2-1 win over Adelaide United. I say ‘should be’ only because they’re coming up against us.
However, based on Auckland FC’s recent form, they’ll come into this game with the belief that they can get something out of it. Their win last week was just their second of the season, and they’ll look to build on that to go back-to-back for the first time this season.
Scoring goals doesn’t seem to be the problem for the Phoenix this season; it’s Chiefy’s high-line tactic that seems to be the reason why they’ve conceded 8 goals in 6 games – coincidentally, the same amount of goals they’ve scored. Hopefully, our boys can take advantage of the high line just like they did in the reverse fixture in round four.
This one promises to be a cracker, and unless both teams make finals football, this is the only home derby we’ll have this season. If you haven’t got your ticket yet, get it now!
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Auckland FC
Two out of Sam Cosgrove’s three goals this season have come against the Phoenix. The big man will look to add to his tally. Fingers crossed, this game is the springboard for him to go on a run of scoring goals.
Despite the weather conditions last weekend, Liam Gillion was a ball of energy and created a few good chances when he came on 10 minutes after half-time. Don’t be surprised to see him make an appearance again, or maybe even make the starting 11. Saturday night may just see him score his first A-League goal, and his first for Auckland FC.
Even though Michael Woud has earned man of the match three times in half of the games this season, he’s still a highly underrated goalkeeper. His performance last week against the Jets, very much merited man of the match, especially with a couple of crucial saves in the second half.
As a goalkeeper, it’s arguably more difficult to play in those conditions when called upon than an outfield player – you’re sopping wet, you’re cold, your gloves have no grip, and you can’t kick the ball off the floor… Yet somehow ‘Woudy’ managed to deal with it all. This guy will be hungry for a clean sheet this weekend.
Wellington Phoenix
None, watch our players.
FOOTBALL ASIDE – LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!
On Saturday, Auckland FC are providing an epic and fun day. There’s going to be a little bit of something for everybody. Of course, it wouldn’t be match day without the iconic slide. Turns out it’s not just for the kids, grown-ups love it too!
There will also be the inflatable obstacle course, the McDonald’s football pitch, Hungerball…the list goes on!
The AUT humanoid robots have secured their tickets for the derby. They will be in the Family Fun Zone until 4pm, then they’re off to their seats to watch the match with real humans.
Grab yourself an AFC Tailgate pass (separate from your match ticket). It starts at 2pm, and Chef Hercules Noble will be cooking some unique and delicious snacks.
Before kickoff, Nick Pearson is performing on guitar, and at halftime, Lewis Macallum will be performing on the saxophone.
