The top two in the National League square off this weekend, when Forest Green Rovers host league leaders York City at The Bolt New Lawn.
With just one point separating the two sides at the summit, both clubs will see this fixture as the perfect opportunity to gain an early advantage in the title race.
Match preview
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Forest Green remain undefeated at home in the National League following their relegation from League Two last season.
Rovers have rarely faltered since returning to non-league football, but recent dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Woking were followed by an FA Cup exit to League One side Stockport County.
However, any fears of Forest Green losing form were brushed aside when they returned to winning ways against Maidenhead United last weekend.
Harvey Bunker, Charlie McCann, Jordan Moore-Taylor and Teddy Jenks were all on the scoresheet in a comprehensive 4-1 win at York Road.
York have an undefeated record to protect of their own, having not lost on the road in the league all season – the visitors have the best away record in the division, with four wins and four draws from their eight games.
The Minstermen survived relegation from the National League by the skin of their teeth last season, finishing just one point above the drop zone.
This season has been near faultless for the visitors though, with their only league defeat coming back in August against Boston United.
The arrival of manager Adam Hinshelwood from Worthing in February has helped turn the club’s fortunes around, to the extent that they are now dreaming of a return to the Football League.
With a former defender in charge of the club, the defensive improvement at York is a major reason behind their success. The visitors have the meanest defence in the league this season, with nine clean sheets and just 12 goals conceded.
Right behind them in the standings are their hosts, who have shipped 14 goals and kept six clean sheets to date.
Like Forest Green, York were knocked out of the FA Cup by league opposition recently, when the Minstermen fell to a 3-2 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.
Last time out, they bounced back from the cup defeat with a thrilling 5-3 win over Hartlepool United, when both sides scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the game, with top scorer Ollie Pearce bagging a brace in the match.
As well as having strength in defence, the two sides have potent attacks and they have both scored 33 goals so far in the league this season – only Barnet have a better record in front of goal, netting 34 times.
Forest Green Rovers National League form:
Forest Green Rovers form (all competitions):
York City National League form:
York City form (all competitions):
Team News
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The hosts will be without defender Ryan Inniss, who was sent off in the draw at Woking last month. Manager Steve Cotterill is also serving a touchline ban following the match in Surrey.
Emmanuel Osadebe and Liam Sercombe are both doubts for Forest Green following recent injuries.
York defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott is expected to play after a concussion scare last weekend against Hartlepool.
The visitors will, however, be without Darragh O’Connor, who has been out of action since September with a groin strain.
O’Connor, Lenell John-Lewis, Zanda Siziba, Levi Andoh and Alex Hernandez are all expected to return to full training soon after being sidelined.
Callum Harriott remains away from the club due to personal reasons and George Sykes-Kenworthy remains a long-term absentee with an ankle injury.
New signing Jeff King could make his York debut, having arrived on a free transfer earlier in the week. Recent loan arrival David Ajiboye was a debutant in the win over Hartlepool and is expected to start.
Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
Ward; Robson, Moore-Taylor, Tozer, Long; McCann, May, Bunker; Knowles, Quigley, McAllister
York City possible starting lineup:
Male; Felix, Fagan-Walcott, Howe, John; Hunt, Batty, Aguiar; Ajiboye, Sinclair, Pearce
We say: Forest Green Rovers 2-2 York City
These two teams are ahead in the title race for good reason.
Although both sides are strong in defence, their ability to score goals should make this an entertaining game, and we think it will be a 2-2 draw here, with little to separate the sides.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
