Welcome to the MATCH DAY hub where you’ll find all the details on our upcoming matches! With stats, insights & key info, this is the one-stop source to gear up for an exciting weekend.
Saturday 18/01/2025:
10:30am
U15 Youth: Highfield Rangers vs Redditch Utd
Competition: Midland Junior Premier League
After last weeks postponement of their MJPL Trophy clash, Highfield Rangers and Redditch United now face off in league action. With both teams aiming to secure important points, this promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Highfield Rangers
Recent Form: Highfield Rangers have been in solid form, winning three of their last seven matches. Playing at home, they’ll look to capitalise on their strong performances and maintain momentum in their league campaign.
Strengths: Rangers thrive on a structured and well-organized play across the pitch. Their creativity in attack, combined with a disciplined defensive plan, makes them a formidable opponent, particularly on home turf.
Weaknesses: Rangers’ tendency to occasionally lose concentration has led to avoidable setbacks. Staying focused for the entire match will be key to avoiding any slip-ups against a determined Redditch side.
Redditch United
Recent Form: Redditch have had a challenging run, with just one win in their last seven matches. They’ll be eager to turn their fortunes around and will see this as an opportunity to make a statement.
Strengths: Redditch’s ability to work hard defensively and their potential to create chances from set pieces could trouble Rangers if they aren’t careful. Their role as underdogs might also allow them to play with less pressure.
Weaknesses: A lack of consistency at both ends of the pitch has been Redditch’s primary challenge. To compete with Rangers, they’ll need a cohesive team performance and clinical execution in key moments.
Tactical Insights
- Highfield Rangers: With top scorer Malachi Laryea unavailable, much will rest on Oshae Zampaladus to seize the opportunity and step up for the team. The hope is that Rangers will field a strong lineup, boosted by players returning from injuries and illness. With their ability to create chances, the team should focus on maintaining defensive solidity and controlling the midfield to maximize their chances of success.
- Redditch United: Expect Redditch to stay compact defensively, looking to frustrate Rangers and hit on the counterattack or through set pieces. Discipline and focus will be crucial to their approach.
Prediction:
Highfield Rangers’ home advantage and stronger recent form make them favorites to claim victory. Redditch United will need to deliver a disciplined and resilient performance to have a chance of taking something from this match, but Rangers’ quality should see them through in a competitive game.
Squad:
Clarke, Chishiri, Hagos, Meshach, Pilar, Jalali, Ndukwu, Onyia, Miles, Moran, Dube, Blaszczyk, Chitsamatanga, Zampaladus, Yusuff, Ahmed
2:00pm
Mens First Team: Ellistown FC vs Highfield Rangers
Competition: Everards Senior League (Premier Division)
An intriguing matchup awaits as Highfield Rangers travel to face Burbage & Huncote. Both teams are in decent form, but the visitors have been the standout side of late, riding the momentum of three straight wins and five victories in their last seven games and looking to push on to challenge for a top five spot in the league:
Burbage & Huncote (11th)
Recent Form: Burbage have recorded four wins in their last seven matches, but those victories have largely come against struggling teams. While they’ve shown they can grind out results, they’ll face a sterner test against Rangers.
Strengths: Burbage’s determination and ability to capitalise on opportunities have served them well against weaker opposition, and they’ll hope to replicate that against stronger competition.
Highfield Rangers (6th)
Recent Form: Rangers have been a force in recent weeks, with a string of impressive results that highlight their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Their three-game winning streak underlines their confidence and consistency as they push up the table.
Strengths: Highfield’s in-form squad is brimming with confidence, and their ability to dominate games has been key to their recent success. With a balanced approach, they’re proving tough to beat.
Tactical Insights
- Burbage & Huncote: Burbage will likely look to frustrate Rangers by staying compact defensively and seeking chances to break forward, though they’ll need to step up to handle Rangers’ in-form attackers.
- Highfield Rangers: Expect Rangers to take control of the game, leveraging their form and confidence to put Burbage on the back foot. Their disciplined midfield and sharp attack will aim to dictate the tempo.
Prediction:
Highfield Rangers’ form and quality make them favorites in this encounter. While Burbage have shown resilience, Rangers’ recent run and their ability to perform consistently suggest they’ll have the edge.
Squad:
TBC
2:00pm
Mens Reserve Team: Highfield Rangers vs Friar Lane & Epworth
Competition: Everards Senior League (Division II)
A crucial “six-pointer” awaits as Highfield Rangers host Friar Lane & Epworth in a battle near the foot of the table. Both teams are in search of a much-needed victory to gain breathing room in the standings. With only one point separating them, this fixture carries significant implications for the relegation battle.
Highfield Rangers (11th)
Recent Form: Rangers have managed just one win in their last ten outings but have shown great heart and determination in their performances. Playing at home could provide the boost they need to turn their fortunes around in this pivotal match.
Strengths: Rangers’ resilience and team spirit have been evident despite their struggles. They’ll look to capitalise on home advantage and make a strong start to put pressure on their visitors.
Weaknesses: A lack of cutting-edge in attack has often left Rangers unable to capitalise on opportunities. Defensive lapses have also contributed to their struggles, making it hard to close out games.
Friar Lane & Epworth (10th)
Recent Form: Friar Lane are also winless in nine of their last ten matches, with their lone victory offering little respite in a challenging season. Their position just outside the bottom two is precarious, and a loss here could drag them further into trouble.
Strengths: Friar Lane’s ability to stay organized in tight games has helped them secure some crucial draws. Their defensive resilience could be key in this matchup.
Weaknesses: A leaky defense and inconsistent midfield performances have often left Friar Lane exposed, especially against teams willing to press high. A lack of confidence in front of goal has further compounded their issues.
Tactical Insights
- Highfield Rangers: Rangers will aim to use their home advantage to start strongly, focusing on controlling possession and minimizing defensive errors. An early goal could tilt the game in their favor.
- Friar Lane & Epworth: Friar Lane will likely play cautiously, prioritizing defensive organization while seeking to exploit any lapses in Rangers’ backline.
Prediction:
With both teams struggling for form and consistency, this match is likely to be a gritty, hard-fought contest. Rangers’ home advantage and their ability to rally in critical moments might give them a slight edge, but defensive discipline will be the key to securing a result.
Sunday 19/01/2025:
10:30am
U9 Juniors: Highfield Rangers vs Loughborough Dynamo
Competition: LDML (Group D)
An exciting clash awaits as Highfield Rangers U9s face Loughborough Dynamo. The young Rangers will look to play with their usual energy and determination, while Loughborough Dynamo aim to utilize their attacking flair to test the visitors. A fantastic way to kick off the action!
10:30am
U10 Juniors: Highfield Rangers vs CFA
Competition: LDML (Group C)
The U10s return to action with a home game against CFA. Highfield Rangers will seek to dominate with quick passing and teamwork, while CFA’s disciplined approach could make this a close contest. Expect plenty of skill and determination on display!
10:30am
U11 Juniors: FC Burbage vs Highfield Rangers
Competition: LDML (FA Trophy)
In a high-stakes FA Trophy match, Highfield Rangers U11 head to FC Burbage. The Rangers will aim to deliver a strong away performance with sharp attacking play, while FC Burbage will rely on their home advantage and cup experience to secure a result. A thrilling battle is on the cards!
12:30pm
U12 Juniors: AFC North Kilworth vs Highfield Rangers
Competition: Leicestershire Foxes League (Division 10)
The U12s face a tough away challenge at AFC North Kilworth. Highfield Rangers will look to control the tempo with their midfield strength, while the hosts will aim to capitalise on home advantage and counterattacking opportunities. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest!
12:30pm
U15 Youth: Football & Fitness Academy vs Highfield Rangers
Competition: LDSJL (Division A)
Highfield Rangers travel to face Football & Fitness in a league clash that sees two teams at opposite ends of the table. Rangers are in excellent form and will look to close the gap on the league leaders, while Football & Fitness hope to secure their first win of the season and climb out of the relegation zone.
Football & Fitness Academy (8th)
Recent Form: It’s been a difficult campaign for Football & Fitness, who have yet to register a win in the league. With only one draw from their six matches, they’ll need a significant improvement to challenge an in-form Highfield Rangers side.
Strengths: Despite their struggles, Football & Fitness have shown resilience in patches, and their underdog status might allow them to play with freedom. They’ll need to focus on defensive organization and look to capitalise on set pieces or counterattacks.
Weaknesses: A lack of cohesion in defense and an inability to convert chances have plagued their season. Against a team as strong as Rangers, these weaknesses will need to be addressed if they’re to take anything from this match.
Highfield Rangers (2nd)
Recent Form: Highfield Rangers are flying high, with five wins from their last seven matches. They’ll be determined to continue their strong league form and keep pressure on the top of the table.
Strengths: Rangers are a well-drilled team, with an organized defensive line. Their attacking players consistently create chances, making them a tough side to contain. Playing against a struggling Football & Fitness team gives them a golden opportunity to further boost their goal difference.
Weaknesses: Overconfidence could be a risk for Rangers in a match where they are heavy favorites. They’ll need to maintain focus and avoid complacency to ensure they secure the result.
Tactical Insights
- Football & Fitness: Expect Football & Fitness to set up defensively, looking to frustrate Rangers and stay in the game as long as possible. Their best chance will come from counterattacks or set pieces, where they’ll need to be clinical.
- Highfield Rangers: Rangers will likely dominate possession, working hard to pin Football & Fitness in their own half. Quick ball movement and exploiting wide areas will be central to their approach, as they aim to stretch the opposition defense and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Prediction:
Highfield Rangers have to be regarded as favorites in this match. Football & Fitness will need a disciplined and resilient performance to keep the game competitive, but Rangers’ quality and recent form should see them claim the victory.
Squad:
Clarke, Hagos, Meshach, Pilar, Jalali, Sarpong, Ndukwu, Onyia, Miles, Fieldsend, Moran, Blaszczyk, Chitsamatanga, Zampaladus, Yusuff, Ahmed
2:00pm
U14 Youth: Highfield Rangers vs Birstall United
Competition: LDSJL (Division C)
Highfield Rangers host Birstall Utd in a local derby that promises to be closely contested. Both teams will be eager to climb the standings and gain valuable momentum as the season progresses.
Highfield Rangers (6th)
Recent Form: Rangers have had an up-and-down season but have shown glimpses of their quality, with a squad boasting fantastic talent. They’ll look to make their home advantage count and secure three crucial points.
Strengths: Rangers’ side is packed with skillful and creative players capable of turning games in an instant. Their ability to produce moments of individual brilliance, combined with solid team play, makes them a dangerous opponent.
Weaknesses: Inconsistency has been a challenge for Rangers this season. Converting their quality into results will require greater focus and discipline, particularly in tighter matches.
Birstall United (7th)
Recent Form: Birstall have shown promise but have struggled for consistency, with a handful of encouraging performances overshadowed by missed opportunities to pick up points. They’ll aim to build on their games in hand and narrow the gap to Rangers.
Strengths: Birstall’s defensive organization and work rate have been key to their competitiveness. Their ability to frustrate opponents and capitalise on mistakes could prove pivotal in this match.
Weaknesses: A lack of cutting edge in attack has limited their ability to turn close games into victories. Against a team with Rangers’ attacking quality, they’ll need to create and take their chances to have a chance of success.
Tactical Insights
- Highfield Rangers: Rangers will aim to dominate possession and play on the front foot, using their talented attackers to break down Birstall’s defensive setup. Exploiting wide areas and maintaining high energy in the final third will be central to their strategy.
- Birstall United: Expect Birstall to play with a cautious approach, focusing on staying compact and organized defensively. They’ll likely look to capitalise on counterattacks and set pieces as their primary avenues to threaten Rangers.
Prediction:
This has the makings of a competitive fixture, with both teams keen to improve their league position. Highfield Rangers’ home advantage and superior individual quality make them favorites, but Birstall’s disciplined approach could make it a close contest. A narrow Rangers win or a hard-fought draw seems the most likely outcome.
2:00pm
Competition: Leicestershire Youth League (Division II)
U16 Youth: Highfield Rangers vs Lutterworth Athletic
Highfield Rangers face a stern test as they host unbeaten league leaders Lutterworth Athletic. Despite being at opposite ends of the table, Rangers have shown signs of improvement and will be determined to cause an upset in this intriguing matchup.
Highfield Rangers (8th)
Recent Form: Rangers have struggled to find consistency, with just two wins to their name. However, recent performances suggest they are playing better than their league position indicates. A strong showing against the league leaders could serve as a turning point in their season.
Strengths: Rangers have been improving their style of play, with better cohesion and attacking intent in recent matches. Their ability to rise to the occasion against tough opposition could be key in this encounter.
Weaknesses: Defensive lapses and a tendency to lose focus in key moments have cost Rangers valuable points. Against an unbeaten Lutterworth side, they’ll need to be at their sharpest for the full 90 minutes.
Lutterworth Athletic (1st)
Recent Form: Lutterworth have been a dominant force this season, maintaining an unbeaten record and setting the pace at the top of the league. Their combination of consistency and quality makes them formidable opponents.
Strengths: Lutterworth excel in all areas of the pitch, with a strong defensive foundation and a clinical attack. Their ability to control games and punish mistakes has been a hallmark of their unbeaten run.
Weaknesses: Complacency could be a potential pitfall for Lutterworth in a match where they are heavy favorites. Underestimating a Rangers side showing improvement might give their opponents opportunities to create problems.
Tactical Insights
- Highfield Rangers: Rangers will need to stay disciplined defensively and look to frustrate Lutterworth with a compact shape. Quick transitions and exploiting any defensive gaps will be crucial to their strategy as they seek to capitalise on counterattacks and set pieces.
- Lutterworth Athletic: Lutterworth will aim to assert their dominance from the outset, pressing Rangers high and controlling possession. Their ability to move the ball quickly and stretch defenses might create multiple scoring opportunities.
Prediction:
Lutterworth Athletic’s unbeaten record and overall quality make them clear favorites in this encounter, but Highfield Rangers’ recent improvement and determination could make this a closer contest than expected. Lutterworth should have enough to secure the win, but Rangers might cause them a few nervy moments along the way.
2:00pm
U17 Youth: Highfield Rangers vs Kirby Muxloe
Competition: Leicestershire Youth League (Division II)
This 2pm kickoff sees Highfield Rangers look to build on their recent improvements as they host bottom-of-the-league Stoneygate Lions. Despite being near the foot of the table, Rangers have been playing well, and this match provides a great opportunity to turn solid performances into valuable points.
Highfield Rangers (9th)
Recent Form: Rangers have struggled for consistency, but their recent performances suggest they are playing much better than their league position indicates. With two wins and a draw from their last eight matches, they will be eager to turn positive displays into more frequent results.
Strengths: Rangers have shown resilience and quality in their recent matches, with improved team play and attacking intent. Their defensive structure has been solid in patches, and they are becoming more dangerous going forward.
Weaknesses: Inconsistency in finishing and occasional lapses in concentration have cost them points. Rangers need to maintain focus and be more clinical to ensure that positive performances lead to more wins.
Stoneygate Lions (10th)
Recent Form: Stoneygate have yet to secure a win this season, with only three draws from their eight matches. Despite their winless record, they’ve shown resilience in their performances, but they will need a drastic improvement to avoid relegation.
Strengths: Stoneygate’s commitment and defensive discipline have helped them stay competitive in matches. Their ability to work hard as a team and maintain defensive structure could be key to frustrating Rangers.
Weaknesses: A lack of firepower up front has been their biggest issue, and their inability to turn draws into wins has left them stuck at the bottom of the table. Against a team like Rangers, they will need to show more creativity in attack if they’re to stand a chance.
Tactical Insights:
- Highfield Rangers: Rangers will look to dominate possession and break down Stoneygate’s defensive setup. Quick transitions and clinical finishing will be essential as they aim to make the most of their attacking opportunities and convert their recent good performances into a much-needed win.
- Stoneygate Lions: Stoneygate will likely focus on staying compact and organized defensively, aiming to frustrate Rangers. Their best chance will come from being disciplined and looking for opportunities to break on the counter or capitalise on set pieces.
Prediction:
Highfield Rangers are the favorites in this fixture, given their recent improvements in performance. Stoneygate’s struggles in attack and inability to find a win make them vulnerable, and Rangers should have enough quality to secure a much-needed victory. However, Stoneygate’s determined approach could still make this a competitive match. Rangers are likely to claim all three points, but it might be closer than expected.
