Wellington Olympic and Auckland United meet in a top-of-the-table clash as they push for places in next month’s Grand Final of the Men’s National League.
They are part of a four-club group that have pulled clear of the chasers in the 10-team competition that has four rounds to go.
With only 12 league points left to play for, every game becomes crucial in the race to finish first or second, and earn a Grand Final slot.
Olympic have been the form side since losing 2-1 to Auckland City in the opening round.
Since then, they have beaten Melville United (4-0), Cashmere Technical (3-0), Birkenhead United (2-0) and Napier City Rovers (5-2).
Last weekend, Olympic beat Napier despite playing half the game with 10 players.
READ MORE: 10-man Olympic look like title contenders in win at Napier >>>>
On Saturday, Olympic host Auckland United who are the only unbeaten side in the competition.
They toppled Auckland City 3-2 last weekend to confirm that their progress has been no fluke this season.
Main photo: Guy-frank Essome Penda celebrates with captain Josh Redfearn (9) after scoring the winning goal for United against Auckland City last weekend.
READ MORE: United topple Auckland City to win Dominion Road Derby >>>>
United have struggled to score goals but they have a tight defence and can squeeze the juice out of opponents with smart possession-based play.
To stay in touch with the leading pair, the heat goes on Auckland City and Birkenhead United to come up with wins.
The Navy Blues host the Wellington Phoenix Reserves, while Birkenhead have to travel to Hamilton’s Gower Park to meet Melville United who suddenly found form last weekend, easily beating Christchurch United 5-2.
READ MORE: Goals galore as Birkenhead and Melville hit their straps in national league >>>>
How to watch
Melville United’s game against Birkenhead United on Sunday will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.
All the other games will be streamed live either by Sky Sport NEXT or by NZ Football’s YouTube channel.
Click here to check games being streamed and how to watch them >>>>
Here’s how the fixtures line up for round 6:
Fixtures
Games to be played on Saturday November 5, 2022
Cashmere Technical v Napier City Rovers
English Park, Christchurch, 12-noon
Auckland City v Wellington Phoenix
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 1pm
Wellington Olympic v Auckland United
Endeavour Park, Whitby, 3pm
Games to be played on Sunday November 6, 2022
Miramar Rangers v Christchurch United
David Farrington Park, Wellington, 1pm
Melville United v Birkenhead United
Gower Park, Hamilton, 3pm
Standings
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