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We're ready for Super City derby showdown
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC can claim the Stirling Sports minor premiership title with a Super City derby win over Waitakere United at Trusts Stadium on Sunday.
There's just one small problem - Waitakere United remain the only team this season to defeat the Navy Blues away from home and they're desperate to make it a double.
Its been a season of highs and lows for Sunday's opponents with Waitakere United beating the Navy Blues in the opening game of the season then recently copping a massive 7-2 beating off defending champions Team Wellington.
Under coach Chris Milicich, Waitakere United have looked more like their former selves - strong competitors for a top four finish - rather than the desperate also-ran status they sank to in the past couple of seasons.
By contrast, the Navy Blues have rallied in recent weeks with three wins on the bounce and 12 goals to go with it.
And coach Ramon Tribulietx understands just how big this Sunday's game is with qualification for next year's OFC Champions League absolutely vital for a club that has been part of every Oceania competition since 2005.
"We're in a good space and everyone has recovered well from Wednesday's win over Southern United.
"Obviously, the freshness is not the same after four games in just two weeks but the spirits are high after the last few performances.
"We understand the mental differences from other games when it is a Super City derby and it makes this game a very even one.
"Waitakere have changed a bit from the first game of the season with some new personnel and style adjustment, and we have to be aware of those nuances.
"Matches with Waitakere United are always one of those great games to be involved with," he said.
Encouragingly for Auckland City FC the injury list has largely emptied with Angel Berlanga and Albert Riera both completing a satisfactory return to action in the last match.
Yousif Al-Kalisy, who was injured in pre-season, is now walking without crutches or a moon boot while Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi's rehabilitation work continues at pace.
With a potential minor premiership title on the line Tribulietx remains humble.
His view is the pressure of a Super City derby remains the same as always - constant - whether a title is on the line or not.
"We always play for a win, it doesn't really matter how tough it is or whats at stake.
"We have to prepare well for what is always a big game with Waitakere United," he said.
The match kicks off at 4.35pm NZST at Trusts Stadium in Henderson on Sunday 26 February 2017.
The game is live on Sky Sport.
Ends
Match Details
Stirling Sports Premiership
Sunday 26 February 2017
Waitakere United v Auckland City FC
Trusts Stadium, Henderson
Kick-off: 4.35pm NZST
#WUvAC
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Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 15 |
| 2 |  | WS | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| 3 |  | BU | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 9 |
| 4 |  | BO | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| 5 |  | MN | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 7 |
| 6 |  | AU | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 |  | ES | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| 8 |  | TC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 3 |
| 9 |  | MU | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 3 |
| 10 |  | WR | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 2 |
| 11 |  | HW | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 1 |
| 12 |  | EB | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
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