Otago coach Malcolm Fleming made no apologies for signing seven players from Christchurch when his late appointment as United coach left him with a paper-thin squad and little time to recruit from elsewhere.
The players had (obviously) not been selected by Canterbury coach Keith Braithwaite, and they were keen to sign up for the blue and gold of Otago rather than twiddle their thumbs through summer.
The situation is sure to stoke up what is always a feisty encounter, as Otago's recruits will want to show Braithwaite that their exclusion was a mistake.
Otago is on seven points in fourth place after five matches, while the Dragons are two points behind on the NZFC table but have played one game fewer. The teams have beaten each other five times and four games have been tied.
Otago probably has a psychological edge due to having won both derby matches 2-1 last year.
Both sides have made a brighter start to the NZFC than in recent seasons, when they anchored bottom places in the competition under coaches Terry Phelan (Otago) and Korouch Monsef (Canterbury).
Tomorrow's game will determine which side will continue upwards, or fall back into the following pack.
Fleming so far has created a balanced unit that has scored regularly and defended well, conceding just four goals in five matches against top sides such as Auckland and Waitakere.
He believes in getting players forward in attack, and has produced an enjoyable passing game that the increasing number of Otago supporters appreciate.
But he will have to rejig his defence this week, as key defender Chris Jenkinson has returned to England.
It was thought Jenkinson would just make a short visit and return to Dunedin, but job opportunities look to have made the move permanent.
The return of centre back Tim Horner, who will play his 50th NZFC match on Sunday, will help offset the loss of Jenkinson, but Fleming has diminishing options with defenders Tom Sadd and Dave Shaw on the injured list.
His choices have diminished further with several players suffering from influenza.
There have also been training knocks to Justin Prattley and Morgan Day, and a huge question mark exists over striker Dave Dugdale, whose calf injury persists.
"I am just holding my breath," said Fleming.
"It's been a difficult week regarding injuries and the flu that has affected the squad in Dunedin. Thankfully, the lads training in Christchurch seem OK at this stage."
One player to benefit is defender James Watson, a talented New Zealand Youth international, who is likely to be promoted at least to Otago's substitute bench. Braithwaite's Canterbury squad will have benefited from having a week without playing, due to a match against Auckland being postponed.
Canterbury is a balanced unit, well led in central defence by former All White Gareth Rowe, and up front Tom Lancaster scored a brilliant equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Hawkes Bay.
Former All White Braithwaite was a shrewd striker in his time, and has become an experienced coach at regional level with the combined Woolston Technical side.
The battle of wits between the coaches will be as important as the battle that will take place on the pitch.
Otago United v Canterbury
Carisbrook, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago: James Waggett, Michael Abbot, Tristan Prattley, Robbie Deeley, Stu Kelly, Ryan Faichnie, Dave Dugdale, Andy Coburn, James Reichwin, Brian Brown, Dan Ede, Tom Connor, Morgan Day, Tim Horner, Nathan Knox, James Watson.
Canterbury: Dan Terris, Jeremy Wild, Gareth Rowe, Matt Boyd, Andy Pitman, Aaron Clapham, Russell Kamo, Tom Lancaster, Nick Wortelboer, Hue Frame, Paul Dirou, Daniel Burns, Glen Collins, Tom Batty, Darren Overton, Chris Sinclair.
