Preview: Barnet vs. Wealdstone - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side have won their last three games in the National League, while the visitors will be looking for a fourth win in five.

Match preview

Since Barnet were relegated from the Football League four seasons ago, they have finished no higher than 11th in the fifth tier, struggling to mount a meaningful promotion charge.

Nonetheless, in a congested league season, with just five points separating Altrincham in 16th from Solihull Moors in sixth, The Bees will believe that they are in with a chance of the play-offs as they look to extend a recent unbeaten run.

Four points ahead of the chasing pack for the top seven, Dean Brennan's side have only lost once in the league since an incredible 7-5 defeat at Wrexham in October, sneaking past bottom side Torquay by one goal to nil last time out.

10-goal striker Nicke Kabamba is without a goal in his last nine appearances in all competitions, and will be hoping to rediscover his goalscoring touch ahead of the visit of local rivals.

Similarly, Wealdstone look to have launched a surprise offensive on the play-off places, having finished 16th and 19th since their promotion to the National League.

Head coach Stuart Maynard ascended to the hot seat in 2021, taking over from Brennan, before he left for Saturday's opponents.

Last season's 16th-place finish in the fifth tier represented the club's highest league position in 35 years, thanks largely to the 17 goals of Josh Umerah, who has since moved up a division to Hartlepool.

Visiting their local rivals, at a stadium that was originally constructed for them in 2004 before financial problems hit, The Stones will be up for what could be a fierce encounter.

Barnet National League form:

W

D

L

W

W

W

Barnet form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

W

L

Wealdstone National League form:

L

L

W

D

W

W

Team News

Following a narrow FA Cup exit to Accrington Stanley last weekend, Barnet could line up similarly here, as Sierra Leone international Idris Kanu looks likely to join Kabamba up front.

The Bees looked solid in their 5-3-2 shape, as Gibraltar international Louie Annesley impressed on his debut on the left of a back three.

Wealdstone looked strong in their 3-1 win over Scunthorpe last time out, and will continue in their customary 4-4-2 shape.

Both Micah Obiero and Olufela Olomola scored in that third consecutive win, and should both start up front once again for this tasty looking trip.

Barnet possible starting lineup:

Walker; Beard, Annesley, Okiomo, Collinge, Wynter; De Havilland, Gorman, Pritchard; Kanu, Kabamba

Wealdstone possible starting lineup:

Howes; Kinsella, Freckleton, Cook, Barker; Charles, Dyer, Kretzschmar, Allarakhia; Obiero, Olomola

We say: Barnet 1-1 Wealdstone

Wealdstone actually have a strong recent record against their rivals, winning all of the last three meetings, including a 3-1 away win at The Hive last season.

We are expecting a tight game, and ultimately, for the points to be shared.

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