Auckland FC players celebrate a goal against the Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC v Perth Glory
Kick-off: 5pm Sunday, 27 April (NZT)
Go Media Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
A sold-out crowd at Mount Smart will see more than 26,000 home fans celebrate Auckland FC when they lift the A-League Men's Premier's Plate on Sunday.
With two games left in their regular season, Auckland FC sealed top spot and the Premier's Plate on Saturday night, after second placed Melbourne City drew 0-0 at home to Adelaide United.
It has been an incredible achievement in a debut campaign, matching that of Western Sydney Wanderers in 2013, and a well-earned one, with the Black Knights leading the table for most of the season.
Auckland FC will aim to go undefeated for the sixth game straight when they meet Perth Glory, the A-League's bottom-placed team.
Auckland FC team news
Luis Felipe Gallegos celebrates his goal, Auckland FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
One of the key reasons for Auckland's success this season has been a relatively low injury count. That continues into this fixture, with a full complement to choose from for head coach Steve Corica.
Felipe Gallegos was the only injury doubt, but he has recovered from a knock against Melbourne Victory and is likely to feature.
The one question will be around how Corica decides to set up. A recent switch to 5-3-2 proved fruitful against Victory, so it would be no surprise to see a similar line-up.
Goalkeepers: Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud; Defenders: Hiroki Sakai (c), Nando Pijnaker, Dan Hall, Tommy Smith, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot; Midfielders: Louis Verstraete, Cameron Howieson, Luis Toomey, Jake Brimmer, Felipe Gallegos; Attackers: Max Mata, Guillermo May, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Neyder Moreno, Marlee Francois, Liam Gillion.
Perth Glory team news
Phoenix goalkeeper Oli Sail reacts after allowing a goal to be scored during the 4-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Photosport
It could be one All White keeper v another, with Oli Sail likely to deputise at the other end from Alex Paulsen. The Glory stopper will be hoping to keep the league leaders at bay in front of a hometown crowd.
Captain Adam Taggart represents a potent threat in attack, while Jaylan Pearman is a young prodigy who Auckland will be wary of due to a previous experience. Seb Despotovski will be looking to make his debut and follow in the footsteps of his father Bobby, a Glory legend.
Goalkeepers: Oli Sail, Cameron Cook; Defenders: Anas Hamzaoui, Tass Mourdoukoutas, Yuto Misao, Josh Risdon, Kaelan Majekodunmi, Tomi Mrcela, Takuya Okamoto; Midfielders: Nicholas Pennington, Adam Bugarija, Trent Ostler, Luke Amos, Jaylan Pearman, Will Freney; Attackers: Nikola Mileusnic, Adam Taggart (captain), Patrick Wood, Khoa Ngo, Seb Despotovski.
Recent meetings
11 Jan, 2025 - Perth Glory 1-0 Auckland
Auckland have lost just twice this season, but their most recent defeat did come against Perth at the start of the year.
One of only three wins for the basement club this season, young prodigy Pearman grabbed the solitary goal. Auckland also finished the game with 10 men after Adama Coulibaly saw red.
Auckland clearly struggled to handle their first mammoth commute to Western Australia with a forgettable showing, which they will look to avenge this weekend.
Prediction
Auckland Fc v Wellington Phoenix, Go Media Mt Smart Stadium. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Auckland will not be taking this lightly - that January defeat will still loom in the mind of Corica and his players. Auckland are impressive at home while Perth have just one win in their past 17 A-League games on the road.
All signs point in one direction - a comfortable Auckland win, but given the rollercoaster rides fans have been treated to so far this season, it wouldn't be a shock if the home side has to battle through this one.
Getting over the finish line can be tough in football, but Auckland have shown time and time again that they have what it takes.
Auckland FC 3-2 Perth Glory.
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