The Saturday fixtures in the National League sees 9th placed Sutton United take on fellow promotion challengers Oldham, a game in which a win for either side would set them in good stead for their pursuit for the play-offs at the end of the season.
Both have had almost identical form heading into this one, and it will be a game which is decided by fine margins.
As the game-day edges closer, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.
Sutton United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steven Arnold (GK); Harry Ransom, Chinwike Okoli, Charlie Waller, Tyler French; Siju Odelusi, Lewis Simper; Jeremy Sivi, Jayden Harris, Josh Coley; Will Davies.
Taking 10 points from their last five league games, Sutton have greatly received a boost in their league position, now lying in ninth after starting that run in 17th. Now, suddenly promotion candidates again, the National League Champions in 2020/21 have a point to prove.
They may have kept only one clean sheet in that run of results, but their form in front of goal has been enough to dig them out of multiple tough scenarios, and Sutton will be hoping that trend continues this weekend.
Oldham will provide stiff opposition, but if Sutton are to underline their credentials to once again jump into the football league, this is the sort of game they need to win. They have the home advantage, they now just need to capitalize.
Oldham Athletic Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Matthew Hudson (GK); Mark Kitching, Emmanuel Monthe, Charlie Raglan, Reagan Ogle; Dan Gardner, Tom Conlon; Otis Khan, Josh Lundstram, Joe Garner; Mike Fondop-Talum.
Oldham have been similarly impressive with their recent form. After a run of six games without a win betweenAugust 20th and September 10th, something clicked, and they beat Woking, Yeovil, Forest Green and Ebbsfleet in succession before their streak ended in a surprise home defeat at home to Solihull Moors.
The form of striker Fondop-Talum has been a big boost to their form, as he scored the winner in the opening three games of that winning run, and his total for the season sits at four goals and 3 assists in 10 games.
They are the away side against Sutton, but they are two teams of similar stature, and with both sides on an improving trend, it may come down to the players performing at the highest level, and Fondop-Talum could be one of those to make the difference.
With both sides challenging for the top seven spots, neither will relent in this game. However, it is well known that the home side has a considerable advantage, and tends to have control over the sway of the momentum thanks to the input of their home support.
Sutton, while sitting lower in the table, have been on an impressive run, will really signal their intent with a win here. Oldham will not make things easy, but we reckon your safest bet is to back Sutton here.
Sutton United 2-1 Oldham Athletic
Sutton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 games, so Oldham should be presented with opportunities to score.
However, with the form of star striker Fondop-Talum, Sutton should be able to outscore their opponents, and the win they pick up should propel them to at least seventh place.
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