This weekend our Big Game Preview team head to Collins Park to preview what could prove to be the decisive match in this seasons Norfolk League title race. The battle appears to be a two horse race between these two sides. Ash Samba Boyz hold a 4 point advantage over Dutch Warriors before kick off, and victory for the hosts would seal their 6th league championship. However, if Dutch Warriors claim the 3 points, they will be just 1 point behind with 2 games to go and with the superior goal difference.

THIS SEASON

The Samba Boyz had a sticky start to their league campaign. Unconvincing victories over Shawfield and Ross County was mixed in with comprehensive defeats to Dutch Warriors and City of Uhra. However, after their 4-1 defeat at the Temple of Enlightenment things have clicked in to gear and William Young's side have fired off 6 straight victories as they look to better last seasons 2nd place. In the cups, they were beaten in the final of the Trophy by Highland Select, whilst Hotshots ended their defence of the league cup at the quarter final stage.

Dutch Warriors were dealt a difficult fixture list to begin with and they sufferend an opening day defeat at Hotshots, but since then they have suffered just 1 defeat which was at the hands of HM Gunners. Dince that defeat, they have won 5 of their last 7 games and have kept 6 clean sheets in a row. They are well placed for their best finish since season 7 and they still have a great chance to to claim their first league title since season 4. They also look set to reach the final of the league cup and reached the last 4 of the semi final.

Table:

CURRENT FORM

Ash Samba Boyz:

Dutch Warriors:

SEQUENCES:

Ash Samba Boyz:
- Have won their last 6 league games.
- Have won their last 5 home league matches.
- Unbeaten in their last 20 home league games, winning 17 of them.
- Have lost 2 of their last 4 home matches.

Dutch Warriors:
- Have won 5 of their last 6 home league games.
- Have kept 6 clean sheets in a row in the league.
- Have won 11 of their last 13 matches,
- Have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 13 games.
- Have won 6 of their last 7 away games.

THE HOTSHOTS

Ash Samba Boyz:
- Alf Kelly has scored 10 goals in his last 9 league games.
- Antonio Quintino has scored 7 goals in his last 8 games.

Dutch Warriors:
- Remco Goossen has scored 8 goals in his last 9 games.

IT'S A STAT

Ash Samba Boyz:
- Midfielder Aaron Brightwell has played more games than any other player (252)
- Became the first side to score 350 league goals last weekend.
- Striker Alf Kelly needs 1 goal to reach 50 in league games.

Dutch Warriors:
- Were the last side to avoid defeat at Collins Park in the league - drawing 1-1 on 10/04/2010.
- Need just 5 more goals to reach 300 in all league matches.
- Striker Masao Totaki needs just 2 goals to reach the 50 goal landmark.
- Will break the Norfolk League record for most consecutive clean sheets if they stop the Samba Boyz scoring this weekend.

PAST MEETINGS

LAST 3 MEETINGS

TEAM NEWS

Ash Samba Boyz striker Alf Kelly is suspended for reaching his yellow card limit. The Samba Boyz do have captain Fausto Albertino and midfielder Daniel Evans back from suspension.

The Warriors have an injury doubt over star striker Masao Totaki so Joos Burg is expected to continue to lead the forward line.

THE REF

TONY NOLAN, Skill 9, Hard 9
Games: 111
Pens awarded: 22
Yellows per game: 3.47
Reds per game: 0.25

PREDICTION

These are the two in-form sides in the Norfolk League. Both are on long unbeaten runs. it's the Warriors who need the victory more. If they lose Totaki it will be a big blow but with them being so strong at the back they may only need 1 goal and with midfield star Remco Gossen such a danger from set pieces they will have a great chance if it's a close game. The Samba Boyz have a demon from the dead ball themselves in Quintino. With Alf Kelly out, he seems the most likely goal scorer although keep an eye out for Aaron Brightwell whose having one of the best seasons of his career.

Game at Collins Park between these two are traditionally tight and the two can't be seperated in recent meetings.

PREDICTION: 1-1