Since all clubs are aiming to catch the leader, Technical's trip to Queenstown will give the resort team's coach Steve Henderson a chance to grab a prize scalp.
Technical was again below par in last week's Chatham Cup match in Timaru. Northern Hearts only lost 2-1 when many expected a cricket score.
Technical coach Mike Fridge admits that his side is not firing on all cylinders.
Only days before, it took two goals in the last eight minutes to sink University 2-1 and that sort of brinkmanship had Technical supporters twitching on the touchlines.
But plenty forget Technical is a young side, especially in defence, although the return of Tim Myers will both steady the maroons at the back, and add menace when he pushes forward into midfield.
Queenstown, on its day, can be both physical and deceptively tricky, especially at home, where coach Henderson has a full squad to pick from and Matt Small on a scoring streak.
Roslyn-Wakari has a similar minefield to tread on the artificial ILT Turf in Invercargill, where Spirit FC, with just one loss in six matches, is on a golden streak.
Much will depend on whether Spirit's inspirational player-coach Barry Gardiner has recovered from recent injury, but regardless, Roslyn expects a tough match on the unfamiliar surface.
Coach Colin Thom has shaped an impressive young side, which is sometimes guilty of "overpassing" the ball, but Thom sees it as an investment that will pay dividends in the future.
Mike Cunningham and his brother Aajay vie with each other in midfield, Sam Mepham gushes raw energy, Tim Mather is a cool anchorman, and there is pace aplenty in attack.
The best match today in Dunedin should be the erratic Northern's visit to Memorial Park, where third placed Mosgiel lies in wait.
Two losses all season make Mike McGarry's side worthy of respect. As well as top scorer Morgan Day, Mosgiel has classy emerging talent in Jordan Swaney, and Matt Brook, with evergreens Phil Kelly and McGarry himself helping out.
Northern claims the Jekyll and Hyde tag, with high pace aggressive football one week, and ragged displays the next.
Striker Dave Henderson is the team barometer. If he plays well, Northern is a handful.
All games kick off at 2.45pm. The Caledonian Ground features University which should have too much for Green Island unless Rod Fleming's team gets a nose in front and hangs on.
Similarly, Grants Braes, with the lowest scoring record in the FPL, will need more than a slice of luck to upset Caversham, which has scored seven times (42) as many goals as the seasiders' six.
