Carshalton Athletic will be looking to get 2010 off to the best possible start, when they host local rivals Sutton United at Colston Avenue.
The two sides are still fresh from their Boxing Day clash at the Borough Sports Ground and the Robins will hope to avenge the 3-0 defeat they suffered.
Charlie Taylor’s brace and a penalty from Steve Watts was enough for the U’s, and Carshalton will seek to produce sterner resistance this time round.
Sutton United Vs Carshalton Athletic– post Boxing Day
Sutton’s win over the Robins elevated them to 6th in the league, just one place outside the playoff berths.
Paul Doswell’s side largely dominated the Boxing Day encounter but he’s since warned against complacency for Saturday’s reverse fixture.
“I know how important it is for the supporters and it gives them the first part of the bragging rights over Christmas, but Carshalton will be looking to get their own back next Saturday so the supporters shouldn’t get over excited,’’ said Doswell.
Veteran striker Steve Watts, who has made over 100 football league appearances, is also expecting a Carshalton fight-back.
“The local derbies can be passionate games and I am sure Carshalton will come out firing. We have to be up for it and expecting a tough game,” said the former Leyton Orient striker.
Meanwhile, Sutton’s Charlie Taylor and Alan Pouton will face late fitness tests for Saturday after the two picked up knocks on Boxing Day.
Sutton United – Players to watch
Kevin Scriven – An experienced goalkeeper who has kept five clean sheets in the league this season.
Danny Phillips – An attacking midfielder, formerly of Blue Square Premier’s Weymouth.
Sam Gargan – Sutton United’s leading goalscorer, and has netted on no less than eight occasions this campaign.
Matt Hann – A dynamic right winger, who represented Great Britain in the 2005 World Student Games.
The Stats
Carshalton Athletic
Ø Haven’t won in the league since November.
Ø The Robins have won two out of their last six home games.
Ø Will still be without leading goalscorer Richard Jolly, who is on holiday.
Sutton United
Ø Set the 2nd highest attendance figure in the league on Boxing Day, when 1,027 fans witnessed the clash against Carshalton.
Ø They have the 7th best away record in the league, with five wins out of nine.
Ø The U’s also have the third best defensive in the division, based on goals conceded.
The Key Battles
Carshalton’s Joe Dolan and David Woozley will again come face to face with the man who breached the Robin’s defence twice on Boxing Day, in the form of Charlie Taylor.
The former Grays striker has been prolific since his arrival in the autumn, and will be the main threat once again when the U’s visit Colston Avenue.
Sutton’s Steve Watts will be the one to watch in midfield, and no doubt the likes of Carshalton’s Barry Stevens and Karl Murray will look to close him down.
Meanwhile Carshalton’s new signing Kenny Beaney, who had been on loan from Sutton before signing permanently this week, is expected to start against his old club.
