Does lightning strike twice? Is it conceivable that Otago United can dish out another defeat to Waitakere, when the teams meet at Auckland's Fred Taylor Park tomorrow?
Defending champion Waitakere suffered an upset loss last week to lowly Hawkes Bay, and the shock defeat could jeopardise the Auckland club's place in the Oceania League, which goes to the two top ASB Premiership clubs.
Auckland is five points clear, ahead of a snarling pack of Wellington, Canterbury and Waitakere, who are all on 15 points. For a change, Waitakere's presence in Pacific football and the world club championship is under threat.
Otago coach Richard Murray hopes to hoist his own lightning conductor when playing Waitakere.
"We will have a go at them. Why not? All the pressure is on them," he said.
Brave words for a team decimated by defections to Australia and a waiting room full of injured players. Even defender Matt Joy, who could have been a key element in any Otago barricade, will be a spectator due to one week's suspension for last week's red card against Wellington.
Otago's recent walking wounded are defender Andrew Ridden and target men James Govan and Donnie MacGregor, while Waitakere appears to have all hands on deck.
Schoolteacher Murray may even try an Agincourt speech to his team, for it will certainly require a prodigious effort to blunt coach Neil Emblen's attacking machine which put six goals past Otago last time.
Even the elements seem against Otago, since Dunedin's torrential downpour cancelled training this week, and a measure of United's task is the chilling statistic that Waitakere has only lost once to Otago in 19 outings.
But there is a distant silver lining as striker Ant Hancock was declared fit after injury, and new signing Costa Rican Josemaria Cantillo, an attacking midfielder, may make a start in this intimidating game.
Other recent additions to Otago's squad are Aajay Cunningham, bristling with skills and keen to make his mark, and James Watson, a classy defender still chasing match fitness but with international youth pedigree.
"Last week, the Bay got in their face, and frustrated them [Waitakere] and we will attempt the same," Murray said.
"Adopt a high line in defence, condense play and hope to snatch a goal or two.
"We have lost some experienced players but this Otago squad has shown lots of spirit, and maybe some of our 'breakthrough' players can make a name for themselves."
Otago v Waitakere
Auckland, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago United: Oswaldo Rodriguez, Liam Lockhart, Tristan Prattley (captain), Jude Fitzpatrick, Morgan Day, Regan Coldicott, Seamus Ryder, Ant Hancock, Sam Mepham, Harley Rodeka, Zac Rathbone, Matt Brook, Jose Cantillo, Peter Evans, Joel Stevens, Craig Ferguson.
Waitakere: Danny Robinson, Jason Rowley, Tim Myers, Martin Bullock, Chris Bale, Allan Pearce, Ross Mckenzie, Roy Krishna, Andy Bevin, Gagame Feni, Neil Emblen, Jake Butler (captain), Matt Upton, Sean Lovemore, Jordan Vale, Rory Turner.
