By John Donnachie / asbpremiership.co.nz 

Canterbury United and Waikato FC are thrust onto the big stage this weekend when they open a double header at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The A-League clash between the Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United follows in what promises to be a Sunday treat for Mainland football fans.

For Dragons' midfield wizard Aaron Clapham, it is another opportunity to showcase his talents in front of Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert.

The 23 year old, who made Herbert's All Whites World Cup squad, has reportedly been considering offers from overseas. And yet he makes no secret of his desire to play for the Phoenix. “I have said for a long time I would love to play for the Phoenix in the A league. But then you have to look out for any other opportunities that come along. Though it would be nice to stay in New Zealand” said Clapham.

While content with his form this season, Clapham sees Sunday as a good time as ever to show his abilities.

“I really believe I'm at A league level. I reckon I can make that step-up for sure.”

In the meantime, Clapham is focused on helping his Dragons team-mates make the play-offs this season. “We are a similar team to last year. We have lost some players, but we are experienced and really solid throughout the team. I'm sure we can make the top four once again.”

There has been some discussion around where Clapham's best position is.  He prefers centre midfield and so do many United fans.  Certainly, when the Cantabs were reduced to 10 men in recent weeks, Clapham has looked more influential when he has moved from a wider position into the middle. He said he doesn’t mind where he plays - he just wants to “start scoring some goals this year.”

Dragons' coach Keith Braithwaite has virtually a full squad available with striker Russell Kamo and midfielder Joe Murray back in the mix. Defender Nick Wortelboer however is suspended.

Wortelboer's sending off against Waitakere United last week was the second match in a row the Dragons' have finished with ten men.

Braithwaite acknowledged that his side needed to avoid red cards and score more goals to kick start their season.

But at the moment “simply winning matches was the key.” When asked if his team could finish a match this week with eleven players he joked “let’s hope so.”

Visitors Waikato FC will be looking to build on their comfortable win last week over cellar dwellers YoungHeart Manawatu. They are still missing long-term absentees Ryan Zoghby and David Samson who are both injured. But they do have Daniel Peat returning from suspension.

Tewi Te Pou is in England on trial.