Auckland derby set to be decisive in finding Men’s National League finalists

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Saturday’s clash between Birkenhead United and Auckland United is set up to be a cracker with the result vital in deciding which clubs will meet in the Men’s National League’s grand final.

Birkenhead must win (and hope league leaders Wellington Olympic and Auckland City have catastrophic results) to stand any chance of sneaking a place in the final.

Main photo: It’s the last roll of the dice for Birkenhead United as they go into round eight.

Auckland United must win and hope for Olympic or City — or both — to slip up at least once in the final two rounds.

Regardless, both Uniteds will leave nothing in the changing rooms in this crucial head-to-head at Shepherds Park.

Birkenhead shaded Auckland United over their two meetings in the Northern League.

They won 1-0 at Keith Hay Park, and drew the home game 1-1 in June. In both games, the goals came in the final 10 minutes.

HOW TO WATCH: Click here to watch the live stream of Birkenhead United v Auckland United >>>>

Meanwhile, leaders Olympic won’t have it easy at home to Christchurch United, who have been increasingly difficult to beat as the competition has progressed.

They dropped points last weekend, drawing 1-1 with the Wellington Phoenix, which might be a sign that the pressure is starting to tell.

Auckland City, used to pressure at top level, host bottom club Miramar Rangers and might have a grand final spot all-but-secured by 5pm on Sunday.

READ MORE: Who plays who in the final two rounds of the Men’s National League >>>>

Here’s the weekend schedule for round eight:

Fixtures

Games to be played on Saturday November 19, 2022

Wellington Olympic v Christchurch United
Petone Memorial Park, Petone, 2pm

Birkenhead United v Auckland United 
Shepherds Park, Birkenhead, 3pm

Melville United v Napier City Rovers
Gower Park, Hamilton, 4pm

Games to be played on Sunday November 20, 2022

Auckland City v Miramar Rangers
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 3pm

Cashmere Technical v Wellington Phoenix
English Park, Christchurch, 4pm

Standings

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