Auckland FC gaffer Steve Corica is pivoting to a game plan without Sam Cosgrove for Saturday's derby against the Phoenix in Wellington

The English striker copped a fifth yellow card of the season, and subsequent one-match suspension, for dissent in the Black Knights' 1-all draw at Sydney FC.

Corica says the timing's frustrating but it's been brewing...



Cosgrove bagged both goals in Auckland's nine-man 2-1 win last time around in the capital.

The Phoenix will be without attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh and defender Tim Payne through injury.