YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE: (matches kick-off at 10am unless stated)
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS 7 - Josh Cuby (Oakwood A), 6 - Avi Markiewicz (Faithfold DocMM White)
HMH vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
The JC cameras will be at the Hive to witness the latest instalment of the clash of the titans, as defending champions and league leaders Hendon United visit nearest challengers HMH.
One may recall Hendon ran out 3-0 winners on the opening weekend of the season, so Avi Goldberg’s boys will be eyeing revenge.
Zack Lewis (2) and Dovi Fehler fired the bullets that gave Hendon a winning start in their defence of the title. The result also sent out a warning to their rivals and they have gone on to make several more since.
But manager Jordan Sapler know things are likely to be closer second time around. He told JC Sport: "This is going to be a huge game ... from their results it looks as if HMH have improved a lot since the first game of the season, so this game could be a lot closer.
"For us, though, it's no different to any other game this season, we're on quite superb form at the moment and we will look to carry that on this week.
"We're carrying a lot of confidence from the last couple of weeks and doing all the right things on the pitch. It's tough to have to play HMH twice away this season, just like we had to last season. It's way too early to call this a title decider but if we win then we are looking at a five-point lead with a game in hand which I don't think anyone would complain or say that we don't deserve."
Hendon have scored 14 goals in their last two games and are hardly conceding. They have the look and feel of champions once again. Sapler went on to say: "The boys have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks and selection is a real headache this week with all 15 players available deserving a start. We look forward to testing ourselves once again."
HMH have responded well since the Hendon game at the start of the season. Oscar Wagner and Nate Kashket have formed a good partnership, and it seems only a matter of time until Adam Ellis hits the goal trail on a regular basis.
At the back, Max Foster has been in commanding form, while Alex Moss continues to pull the strings in midfield. His battle with Jonny Kay will be key to the outcome on Sunday.
The bigger they come, the harder they fall. That is how Avi Goldberg and co are looking at Sunday's mouth-watering clash. He told JC Sport: "super Sunday top of the tables, Reds vs Blues double-header HMH vs Hendon followed by Liverpool vs Man City. What more could DC wish for!
"Reds are currently out in front on both Premier Leagues and must be favourites for both matches, but the Blues are not finished!
"Both HMH and Hendon warmed up by spanking their opponents last weekend. Hendon can’t stop scoring whilst we don’t concede. Sometimes we also remember to bring our shooting boots! Will something give. Nobody ever won leagues in October but we do need to avenge defeat last time when a missed penalty at 1-0 down changed the game."
Reflecting on last week's impressive win over Fairlop in Essex, Goldberg added: "Wagner could easily have had a hat trick last week but his third narrowly missed whilst Feldman and Kashket both scored corkers. If they all have their shooting boots on again on Sunday, and with George Goldberg and Adam Ellis also pushing for recalls, our front line could be very lively indeed.
"Our defence has really stepped up but we will need Foster and co to reach even higher levels to maintain our record of not conceding in open play in the league since first game of season.
"Pep and I have spoken and we shared some visions and tactical ideas ahead of the double-header on Sunday. What is certain is another blockbuster encounter is on the cards both at the Hive in the morning and Anfield in the afternoon. Will it be blue then red or red then red or red then blue or blue then blue? The bookies can’t work it out either but come Sunday at 6.30pm all will be known! If the fans can’t wait, neither can we!
"All four teams are reaching their peak. The previous game came too early in the season and we were clearly sub-par but the margin on minute 65 was very fine."
HMH don't lose many at the Hive, but if I was a betting man I'd had a punt on Hendon.
JC team news: HMH are missing many key players through injury or away on international duty, including Eli Wegrzyn, Ben Winters and Jordan Levy but gaffer Goldberg "has faith in my squad and their desire to win and go top of the table on Sunday".
Ari Last, Jonti Aremband, Avi Korman and Mordy Weiler are all missing for Hendon. The good news is Jonny Kay, Jordan Mizrahi and Zack Lewis return to the squad.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Jonny Kay (Hendon)
DC Prediction: HMH 1 Hendon 2
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FAIRLOP FC vs FAITHFOLD DOCMM WHITE
Fairlop FC fans will arrive in hope that Sunday brings their first league win of the season.
They huffed and puffed against HMH last week but in the end a lack of fitness and options from the bench led to a 5-1 defeat.
Other than James Jaconelli’s wonder goal, they could not breach a well-drilled defence, though they will fancy their chances against opponents who conceded seven times last Sunday.
Ahead of the game, Fairlop assistant-manager Jake Sanders told JC Sport: “We've made a poor start to the season - although the fixture list could have been kinder - meaning nothing less than three points is acceptable on Sunday.
“We beat Faithfold on penalties a fortnight ago and know that with a few key players returning, we're more than capable of collecting our first three points of the campaign, which will move us off the foot of the table.”
Faithfold are looking over their shoulders after recording just one win in five league games. They felt they had half a chance against Hendon on Matchday Nine, especially when the match was moved to their home ground but they were blown away by a master-class, even though their opponents were missing key personnel.
Sunday is the time for both teams to forget the past and look forward only. Make your own headlines! That’ll be the message from both sets of managers.
I’m predicting goals galore in a game where Fairlop’s strength and character will be put to the test by a Faithfold team who prefer a tika-taka approach.
JC team news: Fairlop have a full-fit squad available, although Kai Vale is away.
Venue – 7 Kings
JC star man: Daniel Bean (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 4 Faithfold 3
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OAKWOOD vs MLFC BLUE
Where would Oakwood be without Josh Cuby? That’s a bit like asking where Spurs would be without Harry Kane ...
Cuby moved on to seven goals after scoring in last week’s 2-1 win over Camden Park. He has scored in all but one of their games in Maccabi football this season and is one of the top players in the MGBSFL.
Indeed it was Cuby who twice guided the mighty Oaks back into the game in the recent 2-2 draw against MLFC, and Oakwood fans will be looking for another big display from their main man on Sunday.
MLFC go into the game unbeaten in three. They are scoring freely, but also conceding too frequently, and that will be the biggest concern to managers Max Kyte and Laurence Judah.
Benji Weinberger has been one of their star performers thus far, along with Ben Kohler and Scott Gordon.
But it would be fair to say the team needs something else, that little bit of magic that Cuby provides for Oakwood. A match-winner.
MLFC's player-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: "We were disappointed to not get the win against Oakwood last time and it was a tight game. We hope we can do one better this weekend."
This game has draw written all over it for me.
Venue – Ark Academy
JC star man: Tom Cantor (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 MLFC 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS 10 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons), 8 - Reiss Mogilner (Jewdinese)
BROOK FARM ROVERS vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Hertswood Vale are still enjoying the bounce from winning Division Two last season.
The team have made a fantastic start in their first season in Division One. They are well-run, are led by two very likeable characters in Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger, and are packed with players who wear the shirt with pride.
They have turned into one of the MGBSFL’s role model of how a team should be run and their successful approach is like a breath of fresh air.
When you consider Vale are bang on the heels of both North London giants, you know they are in a very good moment. Joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: "Sunday's match should be an interesting one, against an opposition that we don't know much about at all.
"This match should hopefully see the return of former player Ben Chiltern, who was outstanding in our second season before eventually heading back off to university. If the rest of the team are of a similar standard, then I expect Sunday to be a very competitive affair."
Emanuel took a moment to reflect on the season so far, and said: "Other than the controversial last-minute defeat to Galaxy back in September, Danny and I are happy with how well we've been plodding along in our first season following our promotion. Most importantly, we're enjoying our time at a higher level, and it would be brilliant to get another win on Sunday before our break next week.
"One thing I'll be looking for from Brook Farm are some tips following their cup defeat to Hendon, with the biggest game in our short history just three weeks away now against Jewish football's best team."
By the same token, Brook Farm Rovers are making a decent showing in their first season in the league. Last week they earned a good point against SPEC FC, with Rafi Terespolsky scoring in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
They are holding their own in a tough division but joint-managers Dan Cohen and Ben Pollins hope they can go on a run as results have been a little inconsistent up to now.
Rovers' joint-manager Dan Cohen told JC Sport: "Hertswood Vale have started the season excellently and we know they love to score goals, so we will have to be defensively sound for 90 minutes to come out on top.
"We know we have the firepower going forward to cause them problems and having not lost in the league for a number of games, we go into Sunday full of confidence.
"We’re looking forward to what should be a great game between two good teams and a great chance for us to gain that first statement win we’ve been craving."
Rovers are a good, young and talented squad and we'll know much more about them after the next 90 minutes.
JC team news: Rovers welcome back into the matchday squad star striker Philippe Auret after his three-game suspension, while co-manager Tomer Tricot plays/manages his last game for the club this season as he embarks on a ski season in Canada.
Vale are missing two "big players" in captain James Neidle and Ashley Hirschberger, but following the news that Ben Brown will be back in full training in the next couple of weeks, "it means that the squad isn't in the worst shape" ahead of a busy Chanukah period. Following his man-of-the-match performance last week, Jordan Harris has just signed a new rolling contract to take him through for the rest of the season.
Venue – Capital City
JC star man: Josh Gorb (Vale)
DC Prediction: BFR 1 Vale 2
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MLFC RED vs MILL HILL DONS
Nerves could play a part as the Dons go in search of the win that would put daylight between themselves and fellow strugglers MLFC Red.
The Dons were ripped apart by high-flying Raiders last Sunday, with Harry Moss’s goal no more than consolation in a 5-1 battering.
It left boss Brandon Hamme warning players and fans alike that the Dons must roll up their sleeves to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap.
Ahead of the trip to the Lane, Hamme told JC Sport: "We have shown what we are truly capable of in spells this season, we now need to show that we can do it on a consistent basis.
"We have to deal with a flurry of injuries but we can't sit around and feel sorry for ourselves. We don't know what to expect from our opponents this is the first time we will be facing them, so we have to keep our guard up.
"Training has been really good in preparation for this game and I back the boys to make a statement come Sunday."
MLFC were well beaten by Hertswood Vale last weekend. They ended up with Bryan Weintraub in goal after a red card and the youngsters could benefit from some experience, especially on the pitch.
The result is more important than the performance for both clubs. It's a tough one to call and a cagey affair is on the cards.
JC team news: Joe Reece joins MHD's "forever growing injury list". He is set to miss 4-6 weeks after straining a tendon in his foot. Ben Rodol (nose), Josh Marks (thigh), Sam Singer (humerus) and Scott Waissel (ankle) are all set to be out until late December/early January. Josh Cinna (knee) could be set for a return later this month. Adam Isaacs, Josh Moses and Sam Demby are unavailable.
Venue – Rowley Lane
JC star man: Marc Rister (Dons)
DC Prediction: MLFC 1 Dons 1
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NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs BAYERN MINCHA
This game has home banker written all over it and it's no surprise to hear there are many tickets still available for the away end, with Bayern fans expecting a bit of a thumping on Sunday.
Galaxy failed to win a league game for only the second time last weekend, when a last-ditch strike from Reiss Mogilner meant they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Jewdinese.
James Belchak scored the Galaxy goal in a game and he and his team-mates will be looking to cash in on Sunday against a leaky Mincha defence.
Looking ahead to the visit of the division's only pointless team, Galaxy player-manager Luke Lewis told JC Sport: "This week we’ll be looking to win by a big margin - plain and simple.
"The league could come down to goal difference (as it did last year with Fairlop and Redbridge) and we know that it’s important we go for the jugular in games like this.
"Mincha won’t be easy and we know they’ll be up for it but I’m confident we can win this game comfortably if they’re on it."
Bayern are in a bad moment - their results this season have been 0-6, 0-7, 0-7, 0-13, 1-8 and 0-8 - just one goal scored in six matches. That doesn't make good reading at any level. So damage limitation is their best bet and it could be time to double park the bus.
JC team news: A few of the Galaxy boys have been nursing injuries, so Nick Barnett, Dinho, Jordan Grundman and Jamie Murray will be given a much-deserved rest. Harrison Baum joins the squad for his league debut this season and Lewis is "confident he’ll be getting his first goal for the club. Joey Gold has been progressing well and I’m confident his goal will come too".
Venue – East Barnet school
JC star man: Harrison Baum (NLG)
DC Prediction: NLG 7 Bayern 0
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SPEC FC vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE
SPEC FC will be looking to complete a quickfire league double over a Redbridge team they crushed 5-0 in late September.
Jamie Smaje was their hat-trick hero that day in a performance that really ticked all the boxes. Both he and Zack Neiman have scored trebles this season in what has largely been a settled SPEC team.
Player-manager Ricky Lawrence has called for a big performance from his players, and told JC Sport: “We haven’t tasted victory on a Sunday morning for almost a month now and with three really hard games after this weekend we know three points are big.
"That’s not to look past Redbridge only that our next three are particularly tough. 5-0 in the reverse fixture flattered us a little and we’ll have to put in a better performance than the last two weeks if we’re going to get the victory.”
We've already seen the best and worst of RJC this season but manager Daniel Jacobs will be concerned about their inability to score goals on a regular basis.
From the outset he told me this would be a season of transition for the team, and that has proved exactly the case.
The bottom line is that SPEC haven't been consistent enough thus far, but opportunity knocks for them on Sunday.
Venue – St James Catholic School, KO - 10.15am
JC star man: Rafi Cohen (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 3 RJC 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS 11 - Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), 10 - Simon Cohen (Temple Fortune)
HAMPSTEAD DUCKS vs SCRABBLE FC
Ducks fans will believe the next three games are highly winnable, as they face a return leg with Scrabble and then play Club de Chigwell, so it's a chance for them to go on a good run.
Ahead of their first-ever competitive meeting with Scrabble, the Ducks will be looking to get the FC Team result out of their system and hope their younger legs can inspire them to victory over the league's most senior statesmen.
Scrabble go into the game on the back of a hat-trick of hefty defeats. They were played off the park by Borussia Barnet last weekend, but I can see the surface and elements in west Hendon suiting them down to the ground.
The Borussia game was the first time they've failed to score this season and I expect them to play their part in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
Venue – West Hendon playing fields
JC star man: Edward Greenwall-Cohen (Ducks)
DC Prediction: Ducks 3 Scrabble 3
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NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS vs FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN
James Harpin this week described NWLB's early-season form as "unacceptable" as they prepare to lock horns with an in-form Faithfold DocMM Green team.
The Bears were undone 2-0 by PSJ last Sunday, and patience is starting to wear thing among the NWLB faithful.
Pre-season went well but they have been getting into bad habits, so a back to basics approach will be needed against the Superhoops.
Joint-player-manager Harpin told JC Sport: "Another week has gone by without a victory for us. We now sit second bottom of the league on zero wins. It is not acceptable for us to carry on the way we are.
"This week is another stern test against an experienced team who will likely sit back and attempt to restrict our play. They did a job on Borussia Barnet a couple of weeks back and secured a good result last week against Chigwell.
"We are going to need to play extremely well to get that elusive victory we are still searching for."
Faithfold are unbeaten in two games and manager Ben Kfir told me they are "starting to look like a team". They beat an experienced Chigwell team containing the likes of Elliott Espinoza and Daniel Garfinkle last weekend, and their tails are up, with Anthony Plaskow in commanding form.
A couple of weeks ago I'd have had this down as a Bears win, but now my money is firmly on Faithfold.
JC team news: Alex Rose misses out for the Bears due to an exam at university on Monday, though rumours have it he hasn't started his revision yet!
BEARS: James Harpin, Matt Davidson, Sam Bookman, George Levy, Jack Miller, Sam Martin, Noah Meranda, Saul Shimoni, Harry Lane, Matt Spelman, Sam Shackleton, Simon Lousky, Jake Salem, Sammy Lezter
Venue – London Academy
JC star man: Anthony Plaskow (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Bears 2 Faithfold 4
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PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN vs BORUSSIA BARNET
PSJ will be looking to move to within a point of Borussia Barnet when the teams meet in Uxbridge on Sunday.
Elio Elia's boys had the weekend off and it gave them the chance to recharge their batteries for the games ahead.
Elia is confident his team are on the right track and he told JC Sport: "We're looking forward to a tough test against Borussia Barnet this Sunday - we weren't at our best last time we met and are determined to put things right this time around.
"I've been very encouraged by our recent turnaround in performances and the boys have been excellent in training.
"We know this is a must-win if we want to earn our place at the top end of the division."
Borussia bounced back from the disappointing draw against Faithfold by hitting Scrabble for six. They have made an excellent start, with just one defeat in six, and will fancy their chances of completing the double over PSJ.
But joint-manager Brad Papier has warned against complacency and he told JC Sport: "Last time we beat PSJ 3-0 at home, however we don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking the same will happen again.
"This game is on grass as opposed to 3G and in Sunday League teams have different players every week, so we’re expecting a tough game.
"It’s a pleasure to welcome Nathan Rosenthalback to the side - the kid is a pure 'baller' and it’s not often he isn’t the best player on the pitch when he plays. He’s played once and scored once, been in red-hot form for his uni team, so I always have high expectations when he’s back in London.
"We come in to the game after a 6-0 demolition of Scrabble, and I’ve got a really tough dilemma to try and pick a team for Sunday with everyone playing so well at the moment."
Papier went on to say: "We expect a tough game that we’re more than capable of winning, however it’s our first game on grass ever so I’m interested to see how that effects us.
"We’ll still try and play our football and win the game in an attractive way. However, if it has to be done I believe the boys have what it takes to win a scrappy and tight affair as well.
"Avoiding complacency is always key but we need to keep winning to ensure we have the best chance of winning this league."
Papier and Sam Sharer are getting the best out of a squad put together with great ambition. Sharer told JC Sport: "After a fantastic result against Scrabble, we hope to make it two out of two on the road and win at PSJ.
"The lads have been working hard this week and will expect PSJ to be up for a fight after our win over them at home, but we believe our quality, passion and desire will get us through."
This is definitely one to keep your eye on and it should be a cracker.
JC team news: Nathan Rosenthal returns to the side from his loan spell at Leeds university. Oron Sheldon is out due to his girlfriend's birthday, so a happy birthday to Mayan! Ethan Gold, Ben Bellman, Henry Mattey and Jack Mattey also miss out.
Venue – Brunel Uni
JC star man: Nathan Rosenthal - (one of the best players in the division is back in london this weekend!)
DC Prediction: PSJ 2 BB 3
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WEST HAMDILLAH vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Second-placed Temple Fortune are odds-on beating basement battlers West Hamdillah, but manager Simon Linden has been in the game long enough to know it's important his team arrives with the correct attitude and don't think the game is won before it's even started.
Fortune are much-improved this season - a successful recruitment drive over the summer and front-foot football means they are just a couple of points off leaders FC Team.
A 2-0 win over the Bears was a fantastic reaction to the defeat in the top-of-the-table clash and gaffer Linden will be looking for more of the same on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: "It’s another important match, especially given the fact that we have the cup next week and no game the week after which is a break from the league.
"The boys are in good spirits, sitting second and confident - I just need to make sure there’s no complacency and we get the job done on Sunday in the right manner."
West Hamdillah forfeited their match against PSJ last Sunday. Hopefully they can get 11 players out in what will be a backs-to-the-wall job.
Fortune are playing with great spirit and mentality this season and I can see them coming away with a handsome victory.
Venue – West Hendon playing fields
JC star man: Rob Samuelson (TFFC)
DC Prediction: Hamdillah 0 TFFC 5
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