The non-League match of the weekend is undoubtedly Forest Green vs York, with the National League's top two, pitted against each other at the New Lawn. We have our match preview, predictions, and betting tips below.
After rising to League One for the first time in their history, Forest Green suffered the unfortunate fate of back-to-back-relegations to the National League. A string of poor managerial appointments, coupled with disappointing recruitment, saw Rovers fall back to Non-League, but wealthy owner Dale Vince has put his money where his mouth is. He has invested heavily in the squad this year.
His investment is reaping the rewards as Steve Cotterill's side sit second in the league, having lost just twice this season, coming in 1-0 away defeats at high-flying Barnet and Oldham, respectively. At home, Rovers are unbeaten, having won five of their six games.
Forest Green have a side packed full of experience and talent, with a number of players, such as Ben Tozer and Liam Sercombe, dropping down from the Football League to join them.
Despite the seven goals from talisman Christan Doidge this season, the stand-out player has been Charlie McCann. A product of the Manchester United academy, the 22-year-old is in early contention for the National League Player of the Year, and Cotterill faces a mission to keep hold of him beyond January or the summer.
York sits at the top of the National League table. A disappointing first season under Matt Ugla's ownership saw the Minstermen languishing towards the bottom of the table before Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood came in and steadied the ship.
Given a big budget and free reign to hone his squad, the 40-year-old has built an exciting team, strong in attack and resolute in defence. His likening to players he has worked with in the past has seen York dubbed as the 'North Worthing' with Ollie Pearce, Ricky Aguiar, Harrison Male, Joe Felix and David Ajiboye all playing under him at Worthing.
The Minstermen sit top of the league, one point clear of Saturday's hosts. They are both impressive going forward, having scored the second most goals in the league (33) and resilient at the back, conceding the fewest goals (12).
Their only loss of the season came in a shock 0-2 home defeat to Boston United. York are unbeaten away from home and face a Forest Green side that is unbeaten at home, so it is a hard game to call.
Since returning to the club where he is adored, Christian Doidge has been in fine fettle, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances. However, the Welshmen is not guaranteed to start, so the best bet comes from the opposition.
Ollie Pearce was a sought-after man in the summer after 46 goals in 51 appearances for Worthing last year. The 29-year-old scored 155 goals in 245 appearances on the South Coast but switched Sussex for Yorkshire in the summer.
He has taken to the National League with ease, scoring nine goals in 17 games, including six in his last four league starts. Odds of 3.50 for the league's second-top scorer present great value, regardless of the opposition.
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