Make no mistake about it, The Other Guys will certainly provide Underground FC with more of a challenge than their name suggests.
HEAD TO HEAD: First meeting
MISSING IN ACTION: While injuries have been scarce for the hosts, a number of the players have instead been struck by personal reasons. Sam Foster is unsighted for the game, while Chris Chu is also unavailable. Joining them is striker-turned-midfielder Long Tran, though it's unsure as to how long the Vietnamese striker will be unavailable for.
On the positive front, Charles Chu will make his second appearance in 2013 for the orange-and-blacks while Dave Stanyer also returns to stake his claim at centre back.
FORM: Underground secured their first win of the season last week with a 3-2 win over Orcas 2013. It moved them from seventh to fifth in the Major League and will have instilled a large ammount of confidence given the absence of Foster and star midfielder Andrew Dunn.
While their attacking has been consistently superb, their finishing has - at times - let them down. If there was to be any criticism of last weekend's match it would be the inability to finish some superb chances. Andrew Hewat might have scored two last week, but could have had four had he finished two one-on-one opportunities against the Orcas goalkeeper. This is still up for debate.
Defence has also been a concern for the hosts, and that has been noted with another change at the back. Captain Ryan Hodgson will be looking to direct his defensive line sternly this week so as not to concede anything. So far in the competition they have conceded twice as many goals as they've scored (10 conceded, 5 scored).
For The Other Guys, their three losses have seen them collect the set: A win, a draw and a loss.
A high-scoring 5-4 win over West City was bolstered by a 3-3 draw to BCC Grundies. Their unbeaten start, however, came to a halt with a tight 2-3 defeat to the undefeated Stallion.
As the only side not to concede four goals, and a subsequent bonus point, to Stallion, there should be plenty of defensive and midfield questions that will be asked of Underground come Saturday. Nathan de Jong and Graeme May are expected to add to their two goals scored so far in the competition.
WE THINK: This game could define the half-season for either side. For Underground, there is ground to make up. A win would secure six competition points and third place outright.
For The Other Guys, a chance to distance themselves clear of a tight chasing pack is the surest sign of motivation they'll need. They currently hold third place with nine points, with sixth place BCC Grundies just a bonus-point win away. A good win on Saturday would also allow them to gain on the undefeated pairing of Stallion and Hillsborough Re-United. Both teams have the bye this weekend.
Expect a torrid tussle, particularly in the middle of the park, as Underground go searching for consecutive wins for the first time this season. Andy Speir will have to be in top form once more to ensure his side get the points, but they should come in a tight battle. UNDERGROUND BY 1.
THE TEAM:
Charles
Ben Joseph
Liam W Andrew
Anthony
Jono Caleb
Dave Ryan
Andy
Substitutes: Liam Badger, Matiu Workman, Nathan Dawson
No comments:
Post a Comment