The fierce rivalry between Auckland City and Team Wellington has been one of the most compelling aspects of both the ISPS Handa Premiership and OFC Champions League in recent seasons and a new chapter in the pair’s storied history will be written this weekend.

The heavyweights have become accustomed to clashing in the final of those competitions but their meeting arrives one step earlier this time with Auckland set to host the men from the capital in the second ISPS Handa Premiership semi-final on Sunday at Kiwitea Street.

After sailing through the regular season unbeaten and notching a record points haul in the process, City will be strong favourites on their own turf but have every reason to be wary of a Wellington outfit that has dashed their dreams on more than one occasion in the past.

Most recently, Wellington finally broke the Navy Blues’ long-standing dominance at Oceania level by knocking them out of last year’s OFC Champions League and also claimed consecutive domestic titles in 2016 and 2017, edging out Auckland in the final both times.

Auckland prevented a three-peat by reclaiming their crown the following season but will need no reminding of the threat Wellington can pose.

“To win this tie will require a very good performance from everyone in an Auckland City shirt,” coach Ramon Tribulietx says.

“Team Wellington are a very good side that hold the ball with efficiency and transition into attack very quickly with a lot of attack-minded players. We must be fully concentrated and show the determination that has characterised our performances this season.”

The visitors have not had a vintage regular season by their previous high standards though, appearing to suffer a hangover from their maiden appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup in December, winning only four of their nine matches since returning from Abu Dhabi to finish as the lowest-placed of the semi-finalists.

Despite the variable nature of recent results, coach Jose Figueira has kept a cool head and admirably refused to stray from his footballing philosophy – something he insists will not change on Sunday.

“Our general approach to any home or away game is the same,” he says.

“We’re a team that wants to attack the ball, get numbers forward and win the ball back quickly. We will stick to our general philosophy but we know that it’s knockout football and anything can happen. There is the potential for extra time and penalties so all our preparation this week has been to prepare us for any situation.”

As in many previous years, a trip to Kiwitea Street has proven to be the toughest task in the league this season. While keen to approach it like any other fixture, Figueira admits any meeting with Auckland City has a special air about it.

“It’s always a big game and is exciting to be a part of,” he says.

“It’s a game both sets of players, coaches and staff relish to test themselves against each other. As we’ve seen from previous matches, the games are always tight, intense and tactical. We’re looking forward to heading up there.”

Both line-ups will differ significantly from those that contested last year’s final. Auckland City lost two of its most prolific goalscorers prior to this season when Emiliano Tade and Ryan De Vries both departed for professional contracts overseas while Wellington lost a trio of key performers mid-campaign in Justin Gulley, Mario Barcia and Scott Hilliar.

But Figueira has made some shrewd acquisitions to replace them with Joel Stevens, Adam Mitchell – both of whom have All Whites experience – and Bill Robertson being brought in.

Figueira will need each member of his squad to be at their best as their last victory over Auckland came nearly 18 months ago. The Navy Blues have had the edge this season, winning 4-3 and 2-1 in their two encounters with Wellington, but that will count for little on Sunday.

"This game will be difficult for a lot of reasons and we’re playing against a very good side,” Tribulietx says. “We have to think of this as a one-off game but as long as our focus remains strong we have a chance.”

For those who can’t make it to Kiwitea Street, the match will be broadcast live on SKY Sport. The other semi-final takes place on Saturday, Eastern Suburbs playing host to Canterbury United Dragons at Trusts Arena in Auckland.

A minute’s silence will be observed prior to each match to honour all victims of the Christchurch terror attack while those in attendance can help provide support to the victims’ families by donating to collection buckets on the day.

ISPS Handa Premiership Semi-Final

Auckland City vs Team Wellington
Kiwitea Street, Auckland
Sunday 24 March, 2.35pm
#ISPSHandaPrem #ACvTW
Live on SKY Sport

Referee: A Riley
Assistant Referees: G Sheehan, E Cook
Fourth Official: A Wilson

Auckland City: 1. Enaut Zubikarai (GK), 4. Mario Bilen, 5. Angel Berlanga (c), 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Albert Riera, 11. Fabrizio Tavano, 12. Dylan Manickum, 14. Jordan Vale, 15. Daniel Morgan, 16. Yousif Ali, 17. Reid Drake, 18. Ruben Parker (GK), 19. David Browne, 20. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, 21. Maro Bonsu-Maro, 23. Alfie Rogers
Coach: Ramon Tribulietx

Team Wellington: 1. Scott Basalaj (GK), 4. Mario Ilich, 6. Taylor Schrijvers, 7. Eric Molloy, 8. Henry Cameron, 10. Nathanael Hailemariam, 11. Bill Robertson, 12. Andrew Bevin (c), 13. Daniel Mulholland, 14. Jack-Henry Sinclair, 15. Joel Stevens, 16. Angus Kilkolly, 17. Alex Palezevic, 18. Aaron Clapham, 19. Ross Allen, 22. Marcel Kampman (GK)
Coach: Jose Figueira

Article added: Friday 22 March 2019