Today, against Manawatu in Palmerston North, Otago will need a continuation of the tactic of unrelenting pressure that paid off in last week's 2-1 win against Canterbury.
In-form striker Aaron Burgess, who was selected in the NZFC team of the week, needs to replicate the killer instinct that earned him two goals at English Park. Indeed, last season against Manawatu it was Burgess who scored the winner in a 1-0 win.
Few of last season's Otago squad which beat Manawatu have survived. As well as Burgess, there will be only keeper Liam Little and defender Mike Smith.
Andy Coburn is suspended for today's game but Blair Scoullar returns to the squad after being unavailable last week. Centre back John Chisholm has moved north to start a new job and has signed for Waitakere.
But there is still a wealth of experience in Otago's team. In front of keeper Little, the triangle of former professional Colin Falvey, Mike Smith and Tim Horner are highly experienced.
In midfield, Stu Kelly and Barry Gardiner have been round the block a few times, and alongside Burgess, fellow striker Dave Dugdale has been in impressive form.
The only smooth-cheeked starters are fullback Tristan Prattley and striker Tom Jackson, who have matched their earlier potential with consistently good performances in the NZFC.
After today, Otago has home matches against Waikato, Wellington and Waitakere, plus away fixtures against Waitakere and Hawkes Bay.
Winning those three home games and doing well against Hawkes Bay could amass enough points to be in with a chance.
Manawatu has also had recent problems. Like Otago, it has won just one of its last five games.
Psychologically, Otago's 1-0 win against Manawatu at Carisbrook last season should help offset the disappointing 2-3 loss this season in November.
The return to Uruguay of classy striker Gonzalo Nieres has not helped coach Bob Sova. How-ever, Manawatu swooped in the transfer window to sign Solomon Islands internationals Alick Maemae and Nelson Sale, while former Korean professional Sung-Bae Park returns.
"Last week, we worked hard and finally started to convert some of the chances that we have been creating but not finishing," Otago assistant coach Malcolm Fleming said.
"Otago must now kick on and try and put a few wins together if we are to try and make the top four."
• OTAGO V MANAWATU
Palmerston North, today, 1pm
Otago United: Liam Little, Tristan Prattley, Barry Gardiner, Colin Falvey (captain), Mike Smith, Robbie Deeley, Blair Scoullar, Tom Jackson, Dave Dugdale, Aaron Burgess, Callum Flaws, Morgan Day, Tim Horner, Tom Connor, Seamus Ryder, Stu Kelly.
Manawatu: Chris Marsh, Nelson Sale, Jan Weissenfeldt, Matt Kennedy, Jason Hayne, Nathan Cooksley, Gustavo Saralegui, Adam Cowan, Scott Robson, Sung-Bae Park, Raf de Gregorio (captain), Isaac Duker, Finlay Milne, Matt Borren, Alick Maemae, Cory Chettleburgh.
