The biggest game in the National League this weekend comes from the LNER Community Stadium as York host Forest Green. We have our match predictions and betting preview for the crunch clash.
York were engulfed in a relegation battle last season before Adam Hinshelwood was appointed as the new manager, leaving promotion-chasing Worthing in the process. The 41-year-old turned the Minstermen's fortunes around and kept them up, before a summer spending spree has put them in good stead for a promotion challenge this year.
For the majority of the season, it has been a three-way battle for the title, but Barnet look to be running away with it. The Bees are now nine points clear of York, having played an extra game, so York need to build a winning run.
Hinshelwood's side come into this game off the back of a disappointing 1-2 loss at home to Altrincham, their first home loss since the 18th of January. The LNER Community Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Minstermen this season, taking 41 points from 18 games - the second-best record in the league.
York have also been potent in front of goal, scoring 67 goals. Again, only Barnet have scored more goals than York's 67, while only four teams have conceded fewer.
Forest Green looked well in the title race but just one win in their last five has seen them slip 12 points behind Barnet, facing a huge uphill battle to catch the red-hot Bees. Steve Cotteril's side is packed with Football League experience - something that could be crucial heading into the lottery of the playoffs.
The Greens have not won in their last three away games, losing 2-0 to Braintree, drawing 0-0 to basement boys Ebbsfleet and losing 2-1 at Halifax last time out. In front of goal, they are lacking behind the top two, scoring 13 fewer than York and 24 fewer than Barnet. However, defensively they have been strong, conceding the joint fewest goals in the league (28), so a tight game should be in store.
Rovers won the previous meeting 2-0, thanks to goals from Harvey Bunker and Kyle McAllister.
Ollie Pearce has been a revelation since following in his managers footsteps by swapping Worthing for York. The 29-year-old tops the goalscoring market, scoring 22 league goals, including six goals in his last six. Despite Forest Green's strong defence, Pearce looks tempting odds to add to his ever-growing goal tally.
Prediction: Ollie Pearce to score @3.20
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