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Match Preview - Navy Blues take nothing for granted

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 12 January 2017

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Tasman United's intensity and vociferous home crowd have Auckland City FC looking warily at their upcoming Stirling Sports Premiership clash on Sunday.

Tasman United have lost five games on the bounce with their last victory coming on November 20 last year when they beat the unpredictable Hamilton Wanderers 3-2 at Porritt Stadium.

Scoring goals is not a problem for the hoops having scored 14 goals this season, the exact tally of the Navy Blues.

The difference between the two clubs defensively is stark with Auckland City FC conceding just three goals in nine games while Tasman have bled 27 in their first ten games in the top flight.

Adding to Tasman's woes are the addition of three new faces to the Oceania champions line-up.

All Whites and former St. Mirren midfielder Cam Howieson, Lotto NRFL Premier League Player of the Year Mario Illich and former Al-Nasr attacker Abdullah Al-Kalisy were all signed by the Navy Blues during the transfer window.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx appeared quietly pleased with the acquisitions of players that strengthen an already impressive squad.

But he is wary of a Tasman United side rooted to the bottom of the table.

Tribulietx has noted some differences from the Tasman side the Navy Blues beat 4-0 back in October.

"Tasman are a very intense team but they have changed a bit from the team we played at the back end of last year - they've set up in a different formation and that gives them a different flair.

"They are strong on set pieces and have also got the quality in midfield and up front with players like Dylan Burns and Ermal Hadjari that can benefit from counter-attacking football.

"Playing at home means they will be very motivated and that will make this game a tricky one," he said.

In team news, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and has been removed from the Auckland City FC squad list but remains very firmly part of the club.

"The staff, players and supporters have been very supportive of Te Atawhai as has the club. We wish him all the very best for a speedy recovery," Tribulietx said.

The Navy Blues are expected to take a travelling support of their own to reciprocate a relationship built with Tasman United in October.

Up to 20 Auckland City FC supporters are expected to make the trip south.

The match kicks off at Trafalgar Park, Nelson, on Sunday 15 January, 2017, at 2pm NZST.

Ends

Match Details
Stirling Sports Premiership
Sunday 15 January, 2017
Tasman United v Auckland City FC
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Kick-off: 2pm NZST
#TUvAC

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