Having been reduced due to the FA Cup action last weekend, there is a full programme of National League North fixtures to look forward to on Saturday afternoon.
Brackley Town could find themselves top of the National League North when they travel to face current leaders AFC Fylde.
The pair are level on points, with Fylde ruling the roost on goal difference, yet Brackley have a game in hand over Saturday’s opponents, putting them in pole position.
What’s more, Brackley are the form team out of the pair, having lost one of their 12 matches so far this season.
Fylde have stuttered of late, losing two of their last four, including a disappointing defeat away to Curzon Ashton last weekend.
Given the importance of the tie, there is no guarantee of one side taking home three points and the head-to-head record suggests another stalemate could be on the way.
Five of the last six meetings have finished as draws, with the points being shared once again coming in at 255/100, whilst a Brackley win is priced at 12/5, whereas Fylde to win is 97/100.
Having recently celebrated his 12th year anniversary as Leamington manager, Paul Holleran will be keen to see his side continue their assault on the National League North playoff spots with a win away to Chorley.
Unbeaten in their previous five league matches, Leamington are one of the division’s form sides and are one of six teams separated by three points between third and eighth.
One of the other sides in the mix are Chorley, who are targeting a return to the fifth tier after suffering relegation in 2019/20.
Chorley currently sit just the one point above Leamington, with the hosts in third and the visitors in fourth.
With the top two meeting in Fylde, this match-up between third and fourth could have equal ramifications for the playoff race, with Chorley priced at 77/100 to take the three points.
Leamington will leapfrog Chorley with a win and they come in at 325/100 to cause an upset at Victory Park.
Life without Steven Cunningham has gone well for Curzon Ashton, who currently occupy the final playoff spot, with chasers York City travelling to the Tameside Stadium this weekend.
A statement 2-1 win over leaders Fylde last weekend began Adam Lakeland’s reign with a bang and the Nash will be looking to bite back again.
One defeat in their previous six National League North fixtures has left Curzon supporters dreaming of an unlikely playoff push, with Lakeland well equipped to take them over the line.
In contrast to their opponents, York have struggled of late and enter the clash against Curzon with just one win in their last four matches.
Defeat to seventh tier Buxton in the FA Cup First Round was compounded by a 2-0 loss away to Leamington in midweek, leaving Steve Watson’s side in a little bit of a rut.
Arresting their bad form will be crucial if York want to maintain their playoff push, with an away victory a healthy 5/4.
Curzon continuing their strong form will be the main target for Lakeland, and his side are 19/10 to take all three points.
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