"Strong at home but struggling a little away" - Cheltenham Town v FC Halifax Town: Opposition Focus
We spoke to Jon Palmer, who covers Cheltenham Town for Gloucestershire Live, for the lowdown on FC Halifax Town’s opponents on Saturday.
How have Cheltenham been doing this season?
Strong at home but struggling a little away is the story of Cheltenham Town's season so far. They are much improved from last term overall and widely expected to improve on their 18th-placed finish of 2025/26, but leaking more goals than manager Steve Cotterill would like. His team have produced some quality football at times and they have not struggled to score themselves, but they have left themselves open at the back, with only one clean sheet in League Two. To be fifth after 14 games, only a point off the automatic promotion places, is an impressive opening overall and the majority of Robins fans will be pleased with what they've seen, especially at Whaddon Road - they have the third-best home record so far this season behind only Salford City and York City.
Who have been your star performers so far and why?
Attacking midfielder Charlie McCann has undoubtedly been the star performer so far, with nine goals in his first 13 appearances. The summer signing from Barrow has been clinical, converting nearly every chance he's had. Several of McCann's goals have been in combination with Leicester City loan right winger Jake Evans, who has also impressed. The 18-year-old caused Tranmere Rovers major problems in Saturday's defeat and he looks to have an extremely bright future in the game.
What's your style of play, what can Halifax expect to come up against?
Cheltenham are a high-energy, pressing team who like to build patiently from the back. Cotterill's preferred formation is 4-3-3, with former Aston Villa and Bristol City forward Andi Weimann the central striker, two wingers either side of him and McCann supporting in an advanced midfield role. Ben Stevenson anchors the midfield, with Shaun McWilliams box-to-box.
What's Halifax's best chance of causing an upset on Saturday?
Keeping McCann and Evans quiet is the key. Weimann has scored four this season, but a lot of his work is unselfish and creating space and chances for others. McCann is difficult to pick up and technically outstanding, so denying him space will be crucial if Halifax are to progress.
Injuries/suspensions?
Full-back Joe Tomlinson is a long-term absentee after undergoing hamstring surgery. Defender Robbie Cundy has been out with a knee problem, while winger Favour Onukwuli is having a hamstring scan this week.
Likely line-up and formation?
4-3-3: Wyll Stanway; Jonathan Tomkinson, Pierce Sweeney, James Wilson (c), Jordan Shipley; Ben Stevenson, Shaun McWilliams, Charlie McCann; Jake Evans, Andi Weimann, Ryan Broom.