Canterbury United start their campaign with away games

Oceania champions Auckland City, followed by the South Island derby with Southern United in Dunedin on December 1.

The Canterbury Dragons host Team Wellington at English Park on December 8 before a visit to Napier against Hake’s Bay United.

They wind up the pre-Christmas round with another tough home match against three-time champions Waitakere United.

The competition resumes on January 12 with Canterbury drawing the first of two consecutive home games against WaiBop United followed by a visit from the young Wanderers’ squad.

New Zealand Football (NZF) competitions manager Chris Kemp expects the 10th edition of the ASB premiership to be the most closely contested yet.

‘‘[It’s] an important vehicle for player development and elite club competition and we’re satisfied the tenth edition is going to be one to watch.

‘‘There have been no less than 29 All Whites play in this competition since it was launched in 2004 and we may yet see a 30th selected this season,’’ he said.

Wanderers SC takes the place of YoungHeart Manawatu in the competition and is a vehicle for the Junior All Whites as they prepare for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015.

They have a new logo and playing kit and will be coached by former Waitakere United assistant coach Darren Bazeley, who has been coaching the Young All Whites at the under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates before taking over the under-20s through to the next World Cup.

Wanderers play their first game against Canterbury United.

The league will be contested over two full rounds with twolegged semifinals and a grand final on March 16.