Maidenhead United vs FC Halifax Town: Prediction, team news, injuries

Zico Asare in action for the Magpies against FC Halifax Town last season.

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The Halifax Courier’s Tom Scargill gives the low down on Maidenhead United’s opponents this weekend.

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How have the Shaymen been doing of late?

In the league, very well. A 2-1 win at Woking started a run of terrific league wins which also included Ebbsfleet, Kidderminster and Hartlepool before their draw at York last time out, with the hosts scoring an added time equaliser. They lost in the FA Cup to Marine but we'll skate over that!

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Has a lack of goals been their main problem?

It was until the winning run yeah, and could be again in the future if they fall back into old habits. The main issue is they don't have someone they can regularly rely on for goals so it requires a constant team effort to find the net. They've all been chipping in recently, which is fine, but a reliable source of goals could ultimately be the difference between them getting promoted or not.

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What would be a successful season for the Shaymen?

I think top seven. I don't necessarily think any Town fans would expect promotion but after an 11th-placed finish last season, I think they'd want progression, which would be a play off finish, and achieved playing an attractive style of football.

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Who will be their dangermen and why?

Flo Hoti scored a terrific goal against York - he plays in the number ten role and is good on the ball, can create chances and thread passes. Milli Alli is also a threat, capable of individual moments of skill and trickery with quick feet.

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What's the Shaymen’s style of play, what can Maidenhead United expect to come up against?

I think they'll look to get the ball to the likes of Hoti and Alli and hope they can produce some incisive play. Ryan Galvin is a threat getting forward at left wing back too. Town look good when their wing-backs get high up the pitch and offer them width. Alli is dangerous dropping deep, picking up the ball and running at defenders.

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Injuries/suspensions?

How long have you got! Luke Summerfield, Jamie Cooke, Rob Harker, Festus Arthur, Angelo Cappello, Jack Evans and Jo Cummings are all injured - only Summerfield sounds like he could be back in the squad for Saturday.

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Likely line up and formation?

3-4-1-2 - Johnson, Senior, Keane, Stott, Golden, Hunter, Thomson-Sommers, Galvin, Hoti, Alli, Cosgrave.