Preview: Chelmsford City vs. Barnet - prediction, team news, lineups

Barnet were on the verge of triumphing when the two sides locked horns last weekend, with Ben Wynter's goal separating the two teams until second-half stoppage time, when Charlie Ruff scored to force a replay.

Match preview

Ruff bundled home Tom Blackwell's corner in the second minute of added time at the end of the 90 in the first-round clash last weekend, with the National League South side forcing a replay in the FA Cup.

The Clarets have played twice since the 1-1 draw, sharing the points with Dover Athletic in the league on Monday before suffering a 2-0 loss to Hampton & Richmond on Saturday afternoon, which has left them fourth in the National League South on 34 points.

Overall, it has been a strong start to the campaign for Robbie Simpson's side, who have been victorious in 10 of their 17 league games this term, drawing four times and suffering three defeats.

Chelmsford had to win three matches to book their spot at this stage of the FA Cup, overcoming Kings Langley, Romford and Aldershot Town, and they will certainly fancy their chances on home soil in this game, having matched their National League opponents when they locked horns on November 5.

Barnet, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic in the National League on Saturday afternoon.

The Bees also beat Altrincham 2-0 in the league on November 8, so they should enter this match full of confidence, having picked up two strong results since the 1-1 draw with Chelmsford.

Dean Brennan's side are currently seventh in their domestic table, boasting 30 points from their opening 19 matches, which has left them inside the playoff positions.

Barnet will be back in league action against Torquay United next weekend, and they will be determined to avoid what would be a shock exit in the first round of the FA Cup.

Chelmsford City FA Cup form:

D

Chelmsford City form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

D

L

Barnet FA Cup form:

D

Barnet form (all competitions):

W

D

L

D

W

W

Team News

Chelmsford boss Simpson will need to assess the fitness of his players considering the quick turnaround from Saturday's National League South clash with Hampton & Richmond.

There is again expected to be a spot in the final third of the field for Simeon Jackson, with the former Premier League striker, who has turned out for the likes of Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers, likely to be joined by Harry Lodovica.

Meanwhile, Ruff, who netted a late leveller in the first-round clash, should again feature in midfield alongside the experienced Liam Trotter.

As for Barnet, head coach Brennan will also need to make a check on his players following their National League clash with Oldham on Saturday afternoon.

The team is expected to be similar to the one that took to the field in the league game, with Nicke Kabamba and Idris Kanu set to feature in the final third of the field.

Samuel Woods and Kian Flanagan both appeared off the bench on Saturday, meanwhile, and the pair are in contention for starting roles in Monday's first-round replay.

Chelmsford City possible starting lineup:

Ejeheri; James, Winfield, Barnum-Bobb, Vaz; Ochieng, Trotter, Ruff, Yila; Jackson, Lodovica

Barnet possible starting lineup:

Walker; Prichard, Collinge, Okimo, Beard; Winter, Gorman, De Havilland; Shields, Kabamba, Kanu

We say: Chelmsford City 1-2 Barnet

Chelmsford matched Barnet in their clash last weekend, and we are expecting this to be a close affair. It would certainly not be a surprise to see the home side triumph, but we believe that Barnet will ultimately have enough quality to secure a narrow victory and progress to the next round of the competition.

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