Auckland FC v Melbourne Victory: The tricky balance for the Black Knights
However, it's likely to be a cagey affair. Melbourne Victory are the masters of playoff football, with so much experience down the years, while Auckland's startling success this season has been built on a strong defensive template. That will continue, especially against a Melbourne team with several attacking threats.
'They have a few players on an individual level who can decide the game,' said Verstraete.
Corica feels his team are in a good place. He isn't concerned about any lingering effects of the 4-2 defeat to Western United in their last competitive match, pointing out that a dip was to be expected with the hangover from the Premiers Plate party. They have benefited from the week off – with a chance to refocus – and are starting with a clean slate.
The coach also has a fully fit squad to choose from, a luxury at this stage of the season. Striker Guillermo May (knee) and Max Mata (hamstring) are the only concerns – though Corica said their issues that saw them miss parts of Tuesday's training at North Harbour Stadium were minor. It was an intense session, with an 11 v 11 game, followed by quick-fire five v five conditioning drills, to keep players sharp and focused. Auckland have been the dominant team all season, with only three losses, but Verstraete assured that no one is getting ahead of themselves.
'If you were here at the training ground every day, you would know there is no complacency,' said Verstraete. 'The coaching staff won't allow it ... the players individually won't allow it from other players. The hunger that we have been seeing all season is still there and even more than before.'
And against Melbourne Victory, there would be no grounds for over-confidence, given the clashes this campaign. The 0-0 draw on New Year's Day was a fair result, while Auckland's 2-0 win in April was a bit of a smash and grab display, with Victory going close on a couple of occasions, only denied by the brilliance of Alex Paulsen.
'We defended a lot in that second game and we were very clinical,' recalled defender Nando Pijnaker. 'They were very dangerous, they had a lot of chances.'
After a light session and recovery on Wednesday, the team travelled to Australia on Thursday afternoon. They'll have a captain's run on Friday – mainly to go through set pieces – before Saturday's game, which is expected to draw a big crowd to AAMI Park, including a decent contingent of Auckland FC fans.
'Over the ... season we have been the most consistent team,' said Corica. 'Finals football is a little bit different and the intensity level goes up. [But] if we can control the nerves and play good football, we have a good chance there.'
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