Saturday in the National League sees promotion chasing York City take what has so far been the division's worst team in Ebbsfleet Town.
While York City third in the table on 26 points from thirteen matches, Ebbsfleet have earned just a measly six, with just one win contributing towards this total. While there is still plenty of time left in the season for Ebbsfleet to recover, a defeat in York would see club morale plummet further than it already is, a scenario that they cannot afford at this stage.
As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.
York City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Harrison Male (GK), Ryan Fallowfield, Callum Howe, Daniel Batty, Malachi Walcott; Alex Hunt, Joe Felix; Callum Harriott, Ricky Aguiar, Dipo Akinyemi; Ollie Pearce.
York, who are undefeated since August, look dead certs to be in and around the play-off places come the end of the season. However, recently, their form has left something to be desired.
In their last four league games, they have drawn three, and while they have kept three clean sheets in those fixtures, they have also scored just four in that time, with three coming in one game, a victory over Solihull Moors.
This game against Ebbsfleet presents a good opportunity to return to winning ways against a struggling opponent.
Ebbsfleet United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Mark Cousins (GK); Todd Kane, Louis John, Thomas Dallison, Franklin Domi; Jephte Tanga, Josh Wright, Ben Chapman; Craig Tanner, Dominic Poleon, Greg Cundle.
Ebbsfleet needs a turnaround in form, and quickly. Sitting seven points adrift of safety at this early point in the season is a bad sign for any team, and with games against tricky opposition coming up, it seems that they need a rethink.
There are silver linings for them though. Three out of their last four defeats have been by just a single goal, and these have come against high-placing opposition, including sixth placed Oldham Athletic.
The downside is that with the leakiest defense in the league, it is never likely they will win in a game of who scores the most. The new focus in training looks like it needs to be who can concede the least.
Recent Meetings:
While it is a cliche in football to back the underdog, there doesn’t appear to be any hope here for Ebbsfleet United. Combining recent form with York’s impenetrable defense, Ebbsfleet will struggle to leave their half, let alone threaten the York goal.
That is why we recommend a straightforward win for York City. The odds may not earn you much, but you will get a guaranteed return on your investment.
York City 3-0 Ebbsfleet United.
York will dominate this one, and keep another clean sheet in the process, while Ebbsfleet United struggles will only be compounded. By the end of the gameweek, they could sit 10 points from safety, and if they find themselves there, the club will need to start internal discussions about the best way to move forward.
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