It is a crucial match at the top end of the National League this Saturday as Aldershot Town hosts Solihull Moors in a match that could have major implications for both of their promotion campaigns.
They each currently sit inside the playoff positions, but will be attempting to kick on and earn a place in the top three to avoid the eliminator matches.
Match preview
© Reuters
After a three-match winning streak, Aldershot had a game to forget last weekend when they were surprisingly defeated by York City, who currently sit in the relegation zone.
The Shots conceded in the 90th minute, dropping an important point that now means they are six away from finishing in the top two playoff spots, which is a position the club will be looking to be in come the end of the season.
While Aldershot might be looking to try and avoid the eliminator matches they still need to ensure they have a place in the top seven at all as there is very little room for error.
The Shots are only three points ahead of Gateshead who sit just outside of the playoffs right now, and considering how close things are at the top end of the table it is crucial for teams not to drop any points.
Aldershot will bring belief into this particular match though due to the fact they beat Solihull earlier this season in the reverse fixture, when a goal from Lorent Tolaj was enough to separate the two.
© Reuters
Despite that, the visitors do head into this weekend sitting just above the Shots, and with a two-point advantage, they have the chance to create a strong gap with a victory.
Solihull are undefeated in their past five matches across all competitions, although they were held to a 1-1 draw against Dorking Wanderers during their most recent outing.
A goal from Tahvon Campbell in the 60th minute was not enough for Andy Whing's men to win the match, but the recent run of form has been exactly what the team needs to produce at this time of the season.
Consistency is key when it comes to the run-in for any team hoping for promotion, and Solihull has the chance to place real pressure on the two teams in second and third with another positive result this time out.
Considering the Moors have been stronger in away matches this season, and Aldershot boasts the weakest defensive record of any team in the top 16, the traveling fans will certainly have plenty of belief that they can return home with three points.
Team News
© Reuters
Aldershot will be without both Haji Mnoga and Kwame Thomas this weekend due to them being called up for international duty by Tanzania and St Kitts & Nevis respectively.
Dejan Tetek is going to be doubtful for the rest of the season due to injury, and that led Shots to sign Jonathon Page, who has been a free agent since leaving Fulham and is available to make his debut this weekend.
Solihull brought Kade Craig into the starting lineup at the weekend, replacing Jon Benton which could be something that Whing looks to repeat.
Mark Beck was only used as a substitute in that match, but the forward could bring his attacking qualities to the game from the first minute this time around against a team known for conceding goals.
Aldershot Town possible starting lineup:
Van Stappershoef; Scott, Harfield, Harries, Widdrington; O'Keefe, Frost, Daly; Stokes, Glover, Tolaj
Solihull Moors possible starting lineup:
Hayes; Craig, Clarke, Whitmore, Newton; Labadie, Maycock, Stevens; Sbarra, Beck, Campbell
We say: Aldershot Town 0-2 Solihull Moors
This promises to be a close game between two of the National League's strongest outfits, but it is the visitors who will be the slight favourites heading into the weekend.
Solihull has been impressive away from home this season, and the confidence that should come from those performances could be the difference maker.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
