"Spirits are high and that shows in their performances" - York City v FC Halifax Town: Opposition Focus

What's York's form like going into the game?

City are in superb form. They are now 21 matches unbeaten in the National League, a run which has seen them emerge as title candidates along with Rochdale. More impressively, a big chunk of their unbeaten run have been victories, rather than draws, including six wins on the trot. In that time they have also shown huge defensive improvements, conceding just three in their last six.

What's their style of play, what kind of team can Halifax expect to come up against?

Stuart Maynard tends to set this City team up in a 3-4-1-2 sort of formation, but his wing-backs are arguably the two most important pieces of the puzzle. Their central centre-back will most likely sit back, whilst the wider centre-backs will push forward to overload on the wings alongside those wing-backs. In midfield, one of the two sitting central midfielders tends to drop deep to get on the ball, allowing space to open up further up the pitch. It’s a very possession-orientated high press style that has worked so far.

Do you think they'll win the title?

I’m hesitant to make predictions, but a recent wobble from Rochdale certainly has City in high spirits. The title race is going to be a brilliant one, with both teams possibly surpassing the 100 point mark. City will be desperate to avoid another play-off run if they can, but spirits are high and that shows in their performances.

What are Halifax going to need to do to get a result against them?

It’s hard to say really, as City have only lost twice this season in the league. The Solihull Moors defeat earlier in the season stands out, with the visitors soaking up City’s pressure and defending for their lives, before hitting Maynard’s team on the break. Halifax will have to be in top notch shape too, with City’s press consistently causing opposition teams problems.

Who will be your dangermen and wh?

The obvious picks are Ollie Pearce, who has scored 27 goals this season, and Josh Stones, who has been in brilliant form this campaign. A rogue shout would be Hiram Boateng, who has been in excellent form as of late and does the dirty work in midfield, so his arguably more creative teammates can carve out some chances.

Injuries/suspensions?

City will be without Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Joe Felix, Ash Palmer, Alex Newby and Greg Olley through injury. They are all expected to be back in light training at the least, but game time will likely come too soon.

Likely line-up and formation?

It will be a 3-4-1-2. My guess would be: GK: Male, RCB: Williams, CCB: Johnson, LCB: Kitching, RM: King, CM: Batty, CM: Boateng, LM: Brookes, CAM: Grey, ST: Stones, ST: Pearce