Auckland FC are just one point away from securing the A-League Premiers Plate which would make them the first New Zealand team to pull off such a feat.
The league leaders are set to face off against Perth Glory, who sit at the bottom of the league, at their home ground, Go Media Mt Smart, on Sunday.
Having already secured a spot in the playoffs, a win or a draw would bring some silverware back to Mt Smart in their very first season.
The Premier’s Plate is the league’s minor championship and goes to the team that finishes the regular season at the top of the table. Auckland will have another shot at a trophy in the playoffs, which decides the A-League champions.
While the team goes into this weekend’s clash as hot favourites, one of their two losses this season surprisingly came at the hands of Glory in January.
Defender Dan Hall told TVNZ's Breakfast that the whole team was “excited” for kick-off.
“We’re just pumped to get out there in front of a home crowd and hopefully get the three points.”
Hall said there would be a “very exciting atmosphere”.
“And hopefully the players on the field will be turning up on the day and just put on a good show for the crowd.”
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker said a win on Sunday would be “monumental” for the club.
“We set out at the start and said we wanted to compete, we wanted to be there... and we’ve done that.”
Auckland FC's performance this season rates well against their New Zealand rivals and predecessors.
The Wellington Phoenix, managed to reach second by the end of last season, but were knocked out of the playoffs by Melbourne Victory in the semi-finals. The club has reached the playoffs a total of nine times. They sit 11th in the standings going into this weekend's games.
The last A-League team based out of Auckland, the New Zealand Knights, finished their only two seasons dead last in the standings. They won just five games during their short lifespan.
The game kicks off at 5pm.
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