Albany A will start as a warm favourite against University A in the Dunedin premier men's final today.
Albany warmed up for the final by beating University 3-1 in the major semifinal last week.
If University's playmakers can maintain their discipline and structure, then a fast-paced final full of clean and intense hockey can be expected.
If Albany gets an early goal and keeps the pressure on University, as it has been able to do on a regular basis, then there may be some fireworks from the likes of Chris Ashton and Scott Fitzpatrick.
Albany and University have some of the best strikers in the city and these will be the players to watch.
For Albany, the Gilbert brothers, Nathan and Haughton, will be a constant menace to the University defence.
Both have a habit of popping up at the right time to connect with passes in front of goal.
The Gilberts will be backed up by Toby Hammond and Jeremy Botting, while Albany's midfield will again be led by Dave Ross.
For University, Chris Ashton will spearhead the attack with his usual flamboyant style.
Ashton will be supported by Richard Story, who is a fine striker capable of scoring from nearly any angle.
University was beaten 3-2 by Kings in the final last year.
The men's final starts at the McMillan Centre at 4.15pm.
In the women's final, Taieri will be hoping to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat last year to University White.
Taieri plays University A in the women's final at 2.30pm.
