A place at Wembley awaits the winners of tomorrow’s National League play-off semi-final game between Barnet and Solihull Moors in what is arguably each side’s biggest game of the season so far.
Despite many predicting it to be a cagey encounter, Andy Whing’s Solihull team claimed a resounding 4-2 victory against FC Halifax in the play-off eliminator during midweek after going 3-0 up inside 40 minutes.
The Bees, meanwhile, have had a full week to rest and prepare for the encounter at The Hive and Dean Brennan looks to have a fully fit squad to choose from.
With that in mind, here is The Real EFL’s predicted starting eleven for the match:
Goalkeeper – Josh Keeley
Although there has been intense debate amongst fans over who should start in goal for the Bees since Josh Keeley’s arrival a few months ago, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international should start between the sticks on Saturday.
Brennan did play around with the goalkeepers in March as Keeley was away on international duty, but Laurie Walker has not been seen since he conceded two goals against the Moors at the end of March and it would be ludicrous to change the goalkeeper for such a big game.
Right Wing-Back – Jordan Cropper
Reece Hall-Johnson has not been able to consistently perform at the top level in recent weeks as niggling injuries have perhaps caught up with him.
On the other hand, Jordan Cropper, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career so far, has been slowly eased to full fitness and looks to be finding his best form at the right time of the season. He has started four of Barnet’s last five matches and this strong run should continue on Saturday.
Centre-Back – Danny Collinge
Despite struggling with injuries through the middle part of the season, Collinge has been back to his very best in recent weeks, even finding the back of the net on two occasions. He is undoubtedly the Bees’ best defender and should be one of the first names on the team sheet come Saturday.
His technical ability combined with his aerial prowess means that he will not only help Barnet at the back, but he may also have a decisive role to play in front of the goal.
Centre-Back – Adebola Oluwo
Despite only recently returning from an injury that kept him out for two months, Adebola Oluwo should line up alongside Collinge. His strength and pace are vital to the aggressive way in which the Bees defend and he should be able to perform well against Solihull’s star striker Trayvon Campbell.
Some may argue that Adam Thompson should start over Oluwo given his experience. But, the fact that Brennan brought Oluwo on against Kidderminster Harriers after exactly 60 minutes indicates that he wanted to give the young defender as many minutes as he could, likely in anticipation of this game.
Centre Back – Jerome Okimo
Barnet’s ‘Mr. Consistent’ over the past two seasons, Okimo will provide experience and tactical flexibility to the backline. As the only left-footed centre-back in the squad, he is almost guaranteed a place in the starting XI and his ability to play left-back could allow the manager to switch between a back three and a back four seamlessly.
Left Wing-Back – Idris Kanu
Kanu has exhibited so much natural ability and tenacity over the course of this season that he simply has to be in the side despite his recent injury struggles. Due to the intense competition in the midfield, it is likely that Kanu will find his place at left wing-back.
Solihull’s right-winger Tyrese Shade is very quick and direct and the ageing Ben Coker might not have the pace to deal with that consistently for 90 minutes. However, it is important that Kanu is able to temper his natural instinct to fly forward with caution due to Shade’s ability on the break.
Central Midfield – Anthony Hartigan
The four positions making up Barnet’s ‘box’ midfield have been the most debated amongst fans in the build-up to this match as the Bees are spoilt for choice in the centre of the park. That being said, Anthony Hartigan is the first choice amongst every fan.
The Mansfield Town loanee is the key to Dean Brennan’s possession-based system and he will need to be at his very best if they want to dominate the game from the outset. He also provides a goal-threat from free-kicks which could prove to be the difference between the two sides.
Central Midfield – Dale Gorman (C)
Gorman struggled during the winter months as he was in and out of the team before picking up a fairly lengthy injury. Since his return, however, he has formed a good partnership with Hartigan at the base of the midfield.
The club captain leads from the front with his work ethic and tenacity and he has also scored a couple of goals since his return. The leadership of the man who won promotion from this division with Leyton Orient will be crucial, especially in the latter stages of the game where players and fans will begin to get more anxious.
Attacking Midfield – Callum Stead
Even though he missed the final game of the season due to a minor injury, Stead is probably the most in-form player at the club and therefore has to start. His 15 league goals in just 20 league starts give him one of the best goals-per-90 records in the league.
Stead finding his eye for goal in the fifth tier has been vital, but his work rate is second to none and this will be imperative when Barnet want to press Solihull throughout the game.
Attacking Midfield – Zak Brunt
Numerous fans have been talking about Championship winner Luke Freeman warranting a spot in the starting XI after his performance against Kidderminster, but Brunt is the better option.
Freeman has shown flashes, particularly against Fylde away from home, but starting him over Brunt based on two good performances against sides in the lower half of the table (one of whom was already relegated and had nothing to play for) is wrong.
The attacker has been Barnet’s chief creator this season and he has also been able to chip in with a few handy goals. Due to his young age, there have been patches of poor form, but in the biggest game of the season, it is worth risking a player like him who could almost singlehandedly win you the game.
Striker – Nicke Kabamba
By far the easiest selection in this team, Kabamba is guaranteed to start as long as he is fit. The former Kilmarnock man has managed to surpass the lofty heights he set last season as he has scored 26 league goals this campaign.
He is the complete striker at this level, offering the perfect mix of hard work out of possession, aerial prowess and technical ability. The Solihull defence will be more than aware of the latter after his brilliantly taken goal the last time these two teams played each other.
Score Prediction
Aryan Jolly
“Solihull Moors are certainly a very good side and have massively overachieved under Andy Whing this season, but this Barnet squad should be too strong for them.
“It is time that the Bees really dominated a big match under Dean Brennan and with the likes of Gatlin O’Donkor, Luke Freeman and Harry Pritchard available from the bench and Solihull having played in midweek, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Barnet 3-1 Solihull Moors
Joining in 2023, Aryan specialises in predictions and National League content for The Real EFL.
