We’re tipping games at both ends of the Northern League table to provide some of this weekend’s best football action.
The Northern League and the Lotto NRFL competitions enter Round 5 this weekend (April 17-18).
Our neutral’s guide to the weekend
Here’s our tips for the most entertaining games of the weekend:
Saturday
Kevin Fallon’s Manukau United are without a win in the Northern League and they host underperforming Eastern Suburbs at Centre Park (3pm).
Something’s got to give – whichever team wins can hope to kick-start their season while the loser risks getting dragged into a prolonged fight to avoid relegation.
Tension and passion will combine to make this game a cracker!
At the top of the table, Hamilton Wanderers host third-placed Auckland United at Porritt Stadium (3pm).
The game pitches two of the country’s most talented coaches in Wanderers’ Kale Herbert and United’s Hiroshi Miyazaya, and both will go into the game with clear strategies to overcome their opposition.
Photo: Wanderers’ goalkeeper Matthew Oliver tries to save a penalty against Auckland City in round 4. Image courtesy of Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Sunday
The women’s Northern League produces a top-of-the-table clash between Western Springs and Hamilton Wanderers at Seddon Fields (1.30pm).
Whoever wins will assume favouritism for the title.
Wanderers have former Ferns striker Helen Arjomandi in their squad and if she plays, she usually scores!
Goals aplenty
We’re picking the Lotto NRFL division 1 clash between leaders East Coast Bays and fourth-placed Manurewa at Bay City Park (3pm) to provide plenty of goals.
