Team Wellington's showdown with Canterbury United is the match of the round with both teams eager to press their claims for O-League qualification next season.

Wellington are unbeaten in five matches, while Canterbury have won three on the bounce with striker George Slefendorfas running red hot as the Dragons racked up 19 goals in their last three games.

A win would catapult one of these teams into previously uncharted territory, but a draw would suit defending champions Waitakere who are breathing down their necks. Newtown Park, Wellington, is the venue for this Sunday's match, kick-off scheduled for 1pm.

Hawke's Bay United endured the longest of long weekends when they lost twice, but the Bay can bounce back quickly if they down Otago United at Napier's Bluewater Stadium this Sunday. With an eight point gap between themselves and the playoffs, this one looms as a must-win affair. Otago's campaign has waned with player losses and indifferent form resulting in no wins from their previous five matches. The match kicks off at 1pm this Sunday.

Waitakere United have endured a season of inconsistency and must get back to winning ways when they host a Waikato FC at Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai, on Sunday. The defending champions are desperate to climb the table fast with the O-League qualification slot now a three way jostle. But Neil Emblen's men have their work cut out with a Waikato side that ran Team Wellington all the way before losing out to a last minute goal. Action gets underway at Whenuapai at 2pm.

Buoyed by last week's 2-2 away draw with Otago, the YoungHeart Manawatu revival goes under the blowtorch when they host unbeaten Auckland City at Memorial Park in Palmerston North on Sunday. Auckland City has averaged three goals per ASB Premiership game this season and shows no sign of letting up Manawatu have yet to discover the secret of defending but have no problem scoring goals - can YoungHeart Manawatu produce a surprise first win of the season? The match kicks off at 2pm.