Canterburty hosts Otago United in a derby match tomorrow as both teams battle to vacate the basement of the New Zealand Football Championship.
Only four competition points separate the teams, but a win to Canterbury would stretch its tally to 11 points, and leave coach Terry Phelan's side wallowing with four points at the bottom of the league.
The fixture has traditionally been a tightrope, with Canterbury marginally ahead on 20 goals to Otago's 19 in 13 matches.
Canterbury has notched five wins, Otago four wins, and there have been four draws.
Otago has a psychological edge this time, having won the first derby 2-1 at Sunnyvale.
Canterbury's four-match unbeaten spell ended last week as Manawatu romped to a 4-0 win.
To make matters worse, midfielder Andy Pitman and defender Matt Boyd were sent off and are not available against Otago.
Otago midfielder Stu Kelly (27) played 59 matches for Canterbury, scoring 15 goals, so he is sure of a warm welcome when he runs on to English Park.
The former Scots professional has only played four matches since a serious leg break.
"I've done a lot of gym work and my leg feels fine now. In the winter, I coach Woolston-Technical so I expect to get some razz from spectators up there," he said.
Another seasoned former professional, Otago United captain Colin Falvey, is also looking for his side to overcome Canterbury. "Make no bones about it.
We are after doing the double over Canterbury this weekend in Christchurch," centreback Falvey, selected in last week's NZFC team of the week, said.
The Irishman has been an integral cog in Otago's defence, with Tim Horner, Mike Smith and youngsters Tristan Prattley and Rhys Henderson.
Falvey is also a potent aerial weapon when he moves forward in attacking set plays.
Canterbury coach Korouch Monsef said there was a lot at stake for both teams.
"We need to stay in touch with the rest of the league and need all three points against Otago to achieve that. It's a simple equation which I am sure Otago will see completely differently."
Otago coach Terry Phelan countered: "Our season could almost be over if we do not get something from this game.
We need to continue the good form we showed last week in the second half against Auckland.
"We were worth at least a point then, and if we keep our nerve and combine control with the passion that is needed in a derby match, we can start an Otago revival," he said.
Otago v Canterbury
Christchurch, tomorrow
Otago United: Liam Little, Tristan Prattley, Barry Gardiner, Colin Falvey (captain), Mike Smith, Tom Jackson, Dave Dugdale, Andy Coburn, Aaron Burgess, Tim Horner, Stu Kelly.
Subs: Callum Flaws, Morgan Day, Tom Connor, Robbie Deeley, Seamus Ryder.
Canterbury: Mike Okeeffe, Dan Terris, Bill Robertson, Ryan Faichnie, Garry Mcdermott, Tom Lancaster, Jamie Smith, Michael Fifii, James Rechwein, Nick Wortelboer, Adam Cowen, Darren Overton, Hamish Chang, Ben Harris, Chris Sinclair.
