- Alfreton are undefeated at home in the Northern Premier League Premier Division after 2 (W2, L0).
- Hyde have won once and lost once on the road in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
- Hyde have scored 2 goals away from home in the Northern Premier League Premier Division (1 win and 1 loss from 2).
A close mid-table clash
Alfreton Town FC are 11th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division after taking 6 points from their opening 5 matches, while Hyde United FC are 10th with 7 points from 5 and this could end up being a mid-table arm-wrestle.
Billy Heath has kept Alfreton Town FC solid and hard to beat throughout his time in charge at the club, which is all the more impressive considering the club are in a phase of rebuilding.
Siyabonga Ligendza has been the spark for The Reds in this early season and he has 2 goals in his last 5 appearances. Alongside him, Dylan Youmbi will provide another forward outlet and he will relish the freedom to express himself in a side that will build and break. Alfreton's game is a more pragmatic one and they will be able to hold onto the ball and punish opponents on the break.
Hyde have adopted a more coherent style of play under Michael Clegg this season and it's difficult to deny that they haven't made a positive identity for The Tigers, who are always on the front foot and set up to press.
Taylor McMahon has been the sharpest edge for Hyde so far this season and he has 2 of their 3 goals in his last 5. He will be Hyde's cutting edge in the final third and will allow his team to stretch the opposition.
Hyde can just nick it
Hyde are the slight favourites at 91/50, Alfreton are 119/100 and the draw is 49/20. This looks like a game that will be closely contested and I think Hyde will be the most likely to nick it, but there is enough doubt to make that price unappealing.
Both teams to score is live at 29/50 and that's the selection, although Under 2.5 goals looks interesting at 49/50 too. I think both markets will be looking at the same thing, a cagey game, but I do feel Hyde have a stronger blueprint for attack than the hosts.
Alfreton are unbeaten at home in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and they've only conceded once at The Impact Arena, so I do think they can make it a true battle for the win here. Hyde have scored 2 goals on the road (1 win and 1 loss), so I'm happy to take the visitors to squeeze out a victory here.
