United and fellow powerhouse Cashmere Technical have dominated the league for the past two seasons.
But a new-look Coastal side, who finished third last year, have signalled their intent to push for the top two – and with it, a place in the National League against the best sides from across the country.
Coastal have started strongly and are just two points behind second-placed Tech, who they drew 4-4 with three weeks ago.
They’ve shown an ability to score goals, putting seven past Selwyn and four past both Tech and Nomads, spearheaded by import striker Alex Steinwascher.
The American, who joined from Union Omaha in the off-season, has scored eight goals in five games but will have a tough job against the United defence, which has kept three clean sheets in a row.
Saturday’s other games see winless and goal-less FC Twenty 11 make the trip to Dunedin to play City Royals, while Nomads host Nelson Suburbs and Selwyn visit Ferrymead Bays.
Universities, still looking for their first points of the season, host Tech at English Park.
