PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS REPORT - by Jamie Goodwin
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Trafford renew their rivalry with Gatley St James this Saturday in what is set to be a feisty affair. The reverse fixture was an eventful affair - handbags, a topless Gatley pitch invader, Jamie missing a penalty, a superb Henry performance from the bench, and a post-match report scandal which led to complaints from Gatley to the league administrators which was irony in its purest form. However, the key stat that day was the result, which was a comfortable 4-2 win for Trafford. Gatley can consider themselves lucky that their GK was in inspired form that day as it could have been 7 or 8.
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Both teams are fresh from victories in the national trophy, with Trafford destroying Fisher Utd by 5 goals to 1. Gatley have failed to win a league game since 17th September, drawing 2 and losing 5 whilst conceding 23 goals. In contrast, Trafford have conceded just 18 goals in their last 20 league games (W16, D2, L2), averaging 2.5pts per game.
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TEAM NEWS - TC have several key men unavailable; Obi, Jordan, Josh, Jamie, Martyn, Cogzy all unavailable. Tom faces a late fitness test. Last year's PFA player of the year, Mike Van Der Sar, is passed fit to the relief of the fans.
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PREDICTION - Gatley will have restored their confidence somewhat after a 2-1 victory in the national trophy in their last fixture. Form goes out of the window in local derbies but Trafford will be too strong and prevail 3-1.
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BETTING - Henry tormented the Gatley backline earlier on in the season and is in the type of form which could see him claim a maiden Ballon d'Or. He's 10/1 to bag a brace, 18/1 for the hat trick.
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We need to be up for this one, big early tackles, set the tone, outwork and outplay, come on the Trafford howay the lads!!