While the Premier League and Championship take their annual scheduled break for the November international period, the rest of the English footballing pyramid continues at full speed, and the National League see’s some mouth-watering action this weekend.
Not only do first and second placed York City and Forest Green Rovers face each other, but third placed Barnet have positioned themselves brilliantly to take advantage of a slip up from either side as they look for three points away to 12th placed Dagenham and Redbridge.
Barnet, who have the most prolific attack in the league, will see this as a huge opportunity to make ground on the top two, and with the stakes so high, I can’t see them stumbling.
As a key fixture approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick off.
Dagenham and Redbridge Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Elliot Justham (GK): Romoney Crichlow-Noble, Harry Phipps, Tom Eastman, Oscar Rutherford, Christian N’Guessan, Jake Hassenthaler; Junior Morias, Josh Rees, Ryan Hill; Josh Umerah.
It has very much been a middle of the road type of campaign for Dagenham so far. After consolidating their National League status with a 15th placed finish last season, their next goal would have been to build on that, and while they have succeeded to an extent, they would have desired a little bit more.
Currently sitting 12th, with 5 wins and defeats combined with seven draws, they have made themselves hard to beat, but more often than not have failed to capitalise on tied games.
This lack of killer instinct is something they cannot afford to be missing come the weekend fixture with Barnet, and with the opponents clinical edge in front of goal, Dagenham need to be switched at both ends of the pitch.
Barnet Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Nick Hayes (GK); Myles Kenlock, Adebola Oluwo, Joe Rye; Ben Coker, Anthony Hartigan, Bailey Hobson, Idris Kanu; Ryan Glover, Nicke Kabamba, Zak Brunt.
Barnet, who have had to be at their very best to keep up with Forest Green and York, had been in magnificent form, but have been in a slight lull since mid-October. Losing to Solihull Moors, York and, more acceptable, to League One Exeter in the FA Cup, they have seen plenty of missed opportunities come and go.
Now sitting three points adrift of the top two, Barnet are fortunate the gap isn’t more, and will be thankful that with a win over Dagenham, they will be at most one point behind the leaders of the pack.
Nicke Kabamba has massively assisted Barnet’s good position, as he has bagged seven goals in just eight league appearances. If he can maintain that fine form in this weekends fixture, Barnet will be nailed on winners, and will suddenly force a clear three horse race for the title.
Recent Meetings:
Historical Head to Head - Dagenham: 9. Drawn: 4. Barnet: 7.
While Dagenham somewhat surprisingly hold the advantage in the two sides head to head, Barent go into this one as firm favourites for victory, and we have gone safe and backed Barnet to come away with the three points.
As the highest scoring team in the league playing against a team on a recent good run of form, it should be an entertaining game, as both sides will be up for it, but Barent have quality in their squad depth and should be able to sail to victory.
Dagenham and Redbridge 1-3 Barnet
Dagenham will grab themselves a goal, but they will never provide a serious threat of an upset here, as the form of Barnet’s forwards, particularly Nicke Kabamba, will overpower them.
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