Auckland City go into this year’s Men’s National League as obvious favourites — but if they slip up, who’ll be the team that takes the title?
The Navy Blues are chasing a four-trophy haul, having already won the OFC Champions League, the Northern League and the Chatham Cup.
But as Auckland United proved with a 2-0 win in early September, City can be beaten … and it’s been a long year.
Auckland City have played 33 competitive games this year, because of their involvement in the OFC Champions League and their run through to the final of the Chatham Cup.
Will fatigue bring on a drop in form with another nine — or 10 if they reach the grand final — games to play?
If so, who’ll be side that causes the upset?
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Fixtures
Round 1 of the 2022 Men’s National League
Games to be played on Saturday October 1, 2022
Cashmere Technical v Miramar Rangers
English Park, Christchurch, 1pm
Napier City Rovers v Wellington Phoenix
Bluewater Stadium, Napier, 2pm
Wellington Olympic v Auckland City
Endeavour Park, Whitby, Wellington, 3pm
Games to be played on Sunday October 2, 2022
Birkenhead United v Christchurch United
Shepherds Park, Birkenhead, 1pm
Auckland United v Melville United
Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill, 3pm
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