New Zealand international Michael Woud will start for Auckland FC against Sydney as the club deal with their goalkeeper crisis ahead of the men’s A-League clash at Go Media Stadium.
Woud will return to the starting line-up instead of fellow All White Oli Sail, who is likely to be sidelined for up to nine months after having surgery for a ruptured tendon suffered against former club Perth Glory last weekend.
READ MORE: All Whites ‘keeper Oli Sail ‘out for quite a while’ after suffering injury >>>>
Inexperienced Liam Hill (17) has been named in Auckland FC’s provisional squad as the back-up keeper, having made one appearance last season for the reserves in the Northern League.
Of the club’s other goalkeepers:
Third-choice ‘keeper Joe Knowles (21) has a hip injury.
Oscar Mason (21) and Blake Callinan (20) are in Papua New Guinea with the club’s OFC Pro League squad.
Reserve team goalkeeper Eli Jones (19) has glandular fever.
Head coach Steve Corica has acknowledged that the club are looking to recruit another goalkeeper.
Though All Whites defender Nando Pijnaker has been named in Auckland FC’s provisional squad, he is unlikely to play after leaving the pitch with a groin problem in the first half against Perth Glory.
Squads
Auckland FC (one to be omitted)
1. Michael Woud (Gk), 2. Hiroki Sakai, 3. Jake Girdwood-Reich, 4. Nando Pijnaker, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Felipe Gallegos, 9. Sam Cosgrove, 10. Guillermo May, 11. Marlee François, 15. Francis de Vries, 17. Callan Elliot, 19. Oliver Middleton, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 35. Jonty Bidois, 60. Liam Hill (Gk), 77. Lachlan Brook.
In: 60. Liam Hill.
Out: 20. Oli Sail (injured).
Unavailable: Oli Sail (injured).
Sydney (two to be omitted)
4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins, 5. Alex Grant, 6. Corey Hollman, 7. Piero Quispe, 8. Wataru Kamijo, 9. Víctor Campuzano, 10. Joe Lolley, 12. Harrison Devenish-Meares (Gk), 13. Pat Wood, 16. Joel King, 17. Ben Garuccio, 20. Tiago Quintal, 22. Mathias Macallister, 23. Rhyan Grant, 24. Paul Okon Jnr, 30. Alexander Zaverdinos (Gk), 32. Marcel Tisserand, 36. Rhys Youlley, 41. Alexandar Popovic, 44. Akol Akon.
In: 4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins (promoted), 36. Rhys Youlley (return from suspension).
Out: None.
Unavailable: 1. Gus Hoefsloot (wrist), 11. Abel Walatee (groin), 35. Al Hassan Toure (calf).
Officials
Referee: Alex King.
Assistant referees: Brad Wright, Andrew Meimarakis.
Fourth official: Declan Woods.
VAR: Tim Danaskos.
Assistant VAR: Anton Shchetinin.
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday February 7, 2026
Auckland FC v Sydney
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, 5pm (NZT)
Men’s A-League
Club
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
Newcastle Jets
15
9
0
6
34
26
8
27
Sydney
14
8
1
5
22
14
8
25
Auckland FC
15
7
4
4
22
17
5
25
Macarthur
17
6
7
4
24
23
1
25
Melbourne Victory
16
7
2
7
23
21
2
23
Adelaide United
15
7
2
6
24
23
1
23
Melbourne City
16
5
6
5
18
20
-2
21
Brisbane Roar
16
6
3
7
16
20
-4
21
Perth Glory
16
6
2
8
20
22
-2
20
Wellington Phoenix
16
5
4
7
26
31
-5
19
Central Coast Mariners
15
4
4
7
19
23
-4
16
Western Sydney Wanderers
15
4
3
8
12
20
-8
15
Table at 6am (NZT) on Saturday February 7, 2026.
This story was first published on February 6, 2026, and updated February 7, 2026.