Assenze da una parte e dall'altra e molti cambi rispetto alle ultime esibizioni. Nonostante le statistiche non siano confortanti tento la carta under.
Entrambe le squadre vengono da un pessimo momento di forma, potrebbe uscirne una partita tatticamente bloccata con le due formazioni più attente a difendere piuttosto che ad offendere
*HAMILTON - Waikato FC will be hoping the seasonal break came at the ideal time for them.
After an impressive start to their ASB Premiership campaign, the Willy Gerdsen-coached side fell away over the last couple of matches before Christmas, culminating in a 5-2 away loss to cellar-dwellers Youngheart Manawatu in Week Nine.
That defeat left Waikato in sixth spot in the eight-team league after earlier sitting among the playoff spots.
However, such is the closeness of the competition in the 2010/11 season excepting runaway leaders Waitakere United that Saturday's hosts at Hamilton's Fred Jones Park (3pm kickoff) would again jump them up the table with a victory.
Gerdsen may make some changes from the side that were well-beaten in the rain in Palmerston North.
Young goalkeeper Alex Carr was given a run in goal ahead of regular netminder John Fletcher but didn't take his chance and may find the more experienced keeper back between the sticks this weekend.
Verstaile fullback Tewi Te Pou could also come into the reckoning on his return from trialling with three Championship clubs in England, veteran centre back Nathan Strom is likely to resume his role after being suspended while promising youngster Eugene Heerschap may also join the squad now that he's clear of his youth team duties.
Hawke's Bay United are bound to field a new-look side from that which also finished their year on a low note with a 5-1 hammering from Auckland City.
Dan O'Brien returns from appendicitis but former Waikato product Matt Hastings faces a late fitness test if he wishes to front against former Melville United team-mate Te Pou.
New signing Scott Gannon is waiting on the confirmation of his international transfer clearance while Tom Biss is back after turning out for the Wellington Phoenix A side in the ASB Challenge series.
Chris Greatholder is another who may make a return from injury, but coach Matt Chandler will be without the suspended Marama Thompson, Dan Wilson (overseas), Joachim Rande and Dan Ball (unavailable) and veteran goal poacher Leon Birnie (injured).
The two sides have shared two wins each home and away over the past two seasons. Waikato triumphed 4-2 at home last season but lost 1-0 the previous season on their home patch.
The match will be controlled by Hamilton referee Peter O'Leary.
Waikato FC
In:
Eugene HEERSCHAP is pencilled in alongside Tim PILKINGTON who returns from a long term hamstring injury. Tewi TE POU is tentatively included in the squad pending his return from the UK
Out:
Joe BRESNHANAN in unavailable
Players:
David SAMSON (hand injury) and Alex BARLOW (broken leg) remain on the long term injured list
Vital Stats:
Very little has separated the two teams in recent times with two wins each, both home and away over the past two seasons. Waikato triumphed 4-2 at home last season but lost 0-1 the previous season on their home patch.
Hawke's Bay United
In:
Dan O'BRIEN returns from appendicitis, Matt HASTINGS faces a late fitness test. New signing Scott GANNON must wait on the confirmation of his international transfer clearance while Tom BISS returns from Wellington Phoenix 'A' duties. Chris GREATHOLDER could be in line for a return from long term injury
Out:
Marama THOMPSON is suspended, Dan WILSON is overseas while Joachim RANDE and Dan BALL are unavailable.
Players:
Leon BIRNIE misses out with a stress fracture to his left foot.
Vital Stats:
Hawke’s Bay United won 1-0 at Waikato FC last season, the first away victory over their rivals since 2004 when they eased to a 2-0 win at Waikato Stadium in the ASB Premiership’s inaugural season.
*By Ian Anderson asbpremiership.co.nz
Waikato FC - Hawkes Bay United
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