YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
MACCABI LONDON LIONS WHITE vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for a Redbridge team who were beaten on their last visit to Rowley Lane.
Brady Maccabi put three goals past goalkeeper Dan Lee to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second half. Charlie Kasler, who plays for Lions’ Saturday team, was the game-changer and I’m sure he will give Whites boss James Gershfield some useful pointers.
Prior to the second-half turnaround, Nathan Sollosi had been the star performer, scoring both the Redbridge goals.
Redbridge know that a win would take them to within a point of table-toppers Brady but Jon Jacobs’ best-laid plans have been rocked by back-to-back defeats.
The Lions have an excellent strikeforce and Jordan Sharifian is making a name for himself in goal. They have saved their best performances for the cup thus far but will be determined to put down a marker in the final game of 2017.
It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if this one finishes honours even.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS (from): Jordan Sharifian, Sam Arghebant, Will Beresford, Ben Lampert, James Gold, Sam Hamerton, Max Hassell, Jamie Jackson, Jack Mattey, Mikey Perkins, Josh Weiner, Conor Perl, Max Misrahi, Jamie Cohen, Tyler Smith, Eshed Calman, Jonny Ellis, Max Kyte, Austin Lipman, Adam Burchell, Ryan Springer
REDBRIDGE (from): Dan Lee, Jay Jaffa, Ross Weintraub, Danny Berg, Sam McCarthy, Adam Hakimi, Danny Hakimi, Craig Sandford, Richie Caplin, Brad Frankel, Adam Shafron, Ben Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Scott Oldstein, James Berkley, Nate Kashket, Russell Goldstein, Daniel Garfinkle, Steve Summers, Aaron Goldberg
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin de la Fuente, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Tyler Smith (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Redbridge 1
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OAKWOOD A vs CAMDEN PARK
It's been a really tough few months for Stirling Kay and Camden Park. Five defeats in six matches is a clear indication they are short in several departments and the manager is hoping to identify some fresh talent in the January window.
Scoring goals has been the main issue, with Camden finding the target just three times in 540 minutes. Danny Sherman and Daniel Orgel always put in an honest shift, but they really have to start find a regular source of goals.
Oakwood are handily placed to kick on in the new year. No-one is running away at the top as in the Premier League and their defensive record tells you there are likely to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
With their hopes of Morrison glory over for another season, Oakwood will launch a two-pronged push for silverware in 2018. And only a brave man would bet against them achieving their goal.
Their squad is packed with quality and depth. They haven't had things all their own way but they will always keep coming back at you.
Oakwood took time to grind Camden down last month and I can see it being a case of more of the same on Sunday.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
OAKWOOD (from): Joe Botchin, Harvey Kaye, Lee Warner, Alex Lee, Dale Bradman, Luke Brookner, Toby Levy, Kyle Bentwood, Tom Cantor, Dan Rose, Simon Davies, Daniel Taylor, Dave Woolman, Leor Sidle, Jonny Quinn, Dave Cohen, Jake Bentwood, Rafi Stone, Luke Brookner
CAMDEN (from): Steve Murad, Ben Harris, Josh Tiano, Theo Azouz, Greg Meller, Max Gordon, Kane Gilbery, Rick Harris, Johann Jordi, David Kanzen, Mike Khalatschi, Josh Marks, Max Saunders, Matt Pearlman, Ricardo Ercoli, Dan Orgel
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Harvey Kaye (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 4 Camden 0
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DIVISION ONE
SCRABBLE FC vs OAKWOOD B
Jason Stein cranked up the pressure on promotion rivals Scrabble ahead of Sunday's showdown.
"When you look at the fixtures in Jewish football this weekend you will not find a bigger one," Stein told JC Sport. "What an enormous match this is.
"I've got a poor record against Scrabble. We lost 3-1 away last year after a shocker of a second half. And we were also beaten 2-1 at home.
"Close games but twice we came up short. Of course they've changed a lot since then. But they still have Ray.
"They've certainly added a lot of bite and niggle to their side so I'll be interested to see what they're like as a side. Ray always preached fair play and I've no doubt he still believes in that.
"We've changed too. In my mind the side I have now is right is up there with my 2015-2016 Bobby Abrams, James Abrams, Aaron Searle vintage."
Oakwood start the match a point above Scrabble with a game in hand.
"In Ben Feingold and James Frener we have two absolutely amazing central midfielders," Stein added. "Ben has made a huge impact on the side since starting this year and in his second season Frener has become one my undroppables.
"Going forward Dan Ash, Dan Selwyn and Daniel Seligman are all extremely capable interchanging forwards. Jordan Sherne and Ben Loofe have added physicality, nouse and temperament to the back four.
"It's a massive game for us and one that will decide whether we are really contenders or not."
We saw the best and worst of Scrabble last time out. Rupert Wood must be pushing for a place in the starting line-up after his brace against Faithfold. Not even a defensive master-class from the evergreen Steven Moss could keep the leaders at bay. And you just had to feel for goalkeeper Dan Beresford at the end, as the Superhoops peppered his goal with little intervention. Perhaps Abrahams will take a leaf out of David Moyes books a go back to basics.
Gaffer Abrahams knows his team won’t be up against the quality of David Leiwy every week. But he just hopes Oakwood's hat-trick of Dan don’t turn up the heat.
Both teams are enjoying Chanukah but I think there will be light at the end of the tunnel for Oakwood on Sunday!
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
SCRABBLE (from): Dan Beresford, Jonny Mervish, Oli Richardson, Amit Kahana, Dan Green, Ben Cantopher, Lorian Madanes, Adam Newman, Adam Waters, Rupert Wood, Josh Pugh, Rob Rodney, Zac Summerfield, Dan Goldhill, Zac McLeod, Ben Krieger, Ben Bowers, Craig Cole
OAKWOOD (from): Ben Buck, Dani Derrison, Ilan Scorah, Ben Feingold, Jake Frener, Dan King, Dan Linton, Ben Loofe, James Abrams, Dan Seligman, Ben Lewis, Dan Ash, Dan Selwyn, Sam Modlin, Jordan Sherne, Rafi Bloom, Max Clynes, Jacob Richler-Kleiman
Venue - Capital City, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Ben Feingold (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 Oakwood 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FAITHFOLD A
Redbridge B were one of the few teams to handle the attacking threat of leaders Faithfold in their aborted first meeting earlier this season.
That match was halted after an injury to RJC's Daniel Cooper, so let's hope the next 90 minutes pass by incident free for both teams, especially with a big crowd expected.
To be champions, you have to come up with the answer to the following question. Can you do it on a freezing cold and dark morning in Essex?
Faithfold have been sensational at times this season. They are packed with goals across the team and player-manager Avi Markiewicz has earned deserved plaudits for getting the most out of his players.
Two cup exits could be a blessing in disguise as they can give 100 per cent focus and attention to the league for the next six months.
Redbridge B are in sixth place following L'Equipe's withdrawal. They need points to steer clear of the relegation zone but I have a feeling they will be okay.
I can see the east Londoners setting their stall out to be hard to break down and try to frustrate Faithfold. But it's important they have a Plan B in case they get undone by a moment of magic from the likes of David Leiwy or Avi Garson.
I can see this being a real game of cat and mouse, with the Superhoops edging home.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RJC (from): Brad Grant, Dan Adelman, Paul Biller, Dan Andrews, Jon Fialka, Dan Lassman, James Law, Scott McKenzie, Dan Lipman, Elliot Coulton, Adam Noble, Sam Rank, Antony Cope, Josh Hambling, Dan Gordon, Jacob Kaye, Carl Dobrin, Richard Rosenthal
FAITHFOLD (from): Ben Gabay, Leor Harel, Joe Gordon, Avi Mocton, Gideon Caller, Avi Garson, Jonny Leiwy, Eli Shebson, Dovi Vogel, Aron Luftig, Jonny Gahan, David Leiwy, Louis Naghten, Avi Markiewicz, Sam Zerovabeli, Chaim Bordon, Ben Shirbini, Zalmy Cohen, Akiva Solomon, Gav Lewis
Venue - Capital City, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Avi Mocton (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Faithfold 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
There are still tickets available for the battle between Temple Fortune and Raiders B as the visitors look to clinch their first league double of the season.
The 5-1 drubbing reflected the gulf in class between the teams and it's a result Fortune have failed to recover from.
Sitting at the foot of the table, reinforcements are needed as they are right in the mire. Boss Simon Linden isn't a quitter though and he believes he's still the right man to turn things around.
Roberto Mancini and Carlo Ancelotti were spotted near Silver Jubilee Park earlier this week but my sources have told me they were on their way to Wembley to watch Spurs.
With no A-team game, we might see a big name or two coming in to help Raiders, who remain well-placed to kick on.
If they score the first goal I can see them running away with it.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FORTUNE (from): Philip Small, Lee Fegan, Lee Hyams, Jonathan Cohen, Ranana Firmin, Adam Speck, Brett Stead, Michael Goldberg, Michael Woolfe, Eshed Rahav, Connor Brand, Jason Lindsay, Gab Stone, Simon Linden, Dan Vandermolen, Ben Isaacs
RAIDERS (from): Ben Law, Anthony Shaw, Antony Goodmaker, Charles Braunstein, Rob Blackman, Lewis Blitz, Danny Bloom, Elliot Espinoza, Dave Esterkin, Matt Leader, Mark Leader, Ricky Lawrence, Simon Buchler, Brandon Sassoon, Scott Waissel, Josh Green, Jake Gilbert
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park, Ref – Stephen Levy, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Simon Buchler (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 NLR 4
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DIVISION TWO
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs MILL HILL DONS
Table-toppers Mill Hill Dons will be eyeing revenge as they look to extend their lead in an eagerly awaited rematch against Catford.
Jeff Gotch's men earned an impressive 3-1 win over the Dons on the opening weekend of the season, courtesy of goals in the last 10 minutes from Richard Winton and Gotch.
However, it has been the Dons who have caught the eye since then, with Catford struggling against their promotion rivals - something Gotch will be determined to put right on Sunday.
The Dons are playing with confidence and spirits are high. They have a solid spine in Josh Cinna, Jamie Nagioff and Zach Cohen and it's hard to spot a weak link.
But manager Brandon Hamme knows nothing is won by Chanukah and he'll be hoping for a minor miracle from his men as they look to sign off a memorable first half of the campaign in style.
I can see this contest being settled by small details, with the Mill Hill boys earning their post-match doughnuts.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Richard Adams, Stuart Harris, Loz Bloom, Jeff Gotch, Mitch Green, Alex Jacobs, Joel Lassman, Callion McGregor, Yarden Sharon, Danny Yeshua, Richard Winton, Jason Shoffman, Ashley Stokes, Jamie Sinai, Sam Reeves, Ashley Stokes
DONS (from): Oli Burchell, Richard Reback, Adam Ben-Harosh, Josh Cinna, Sam Demby, Harry Moss, Jamie Nagioff, Nick Phillips, Adam Isaacs, Ryan Kramer, Zach Cohen, Harry Kalms, Brandon Hamme, Joel Sinclair-Horne, Jordan Rinsler, Sam Denby, Josh Moses, Adam Diamond, Joseph Reece, Jason Weldon
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Ryan Kramer (Dons)
DC Prediction: Cats 1 Dons 3
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FAIRLOP FC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Just a solitary point separates Fairlop and Temple Fortune B ahead of their first-ever meeting but I think the gap between the teams will be more significant come Sunday lunchtime.
Although a long way off the promotion zone, the Fairlop boys are on a mission to finish in the mix. And they still have a mammoth 45 points to play for.
Both Fortune's victories have come on the road this season, but they will need to up the ante big time and earn a little luck if they are to come away from Essex with something to show for their efforts.
I can see them defending deep and conceding possession, trying to break at pace on the counter.
Fortune will huff and puff but Fairlop's superior technical ability will prove decisive.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FAIRLOP (from): Scott Shear, Adam Goldman, Kane Wise, Max Freedman, Ryan Cole, Daryl Rubin, James Jaconelli, Matt Berkeley, Daniel Bean, Kai Vale, Brad Gayer, Daniel Rosen , Brad Porter, Jacob Sanders, Pierce Prince, Joel Russell
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Anthony Beilin, Jacob Kalms, Josh Klepper, Adam Lenz, Eric Lewis, Gab Saul, Oli Segal, Gideon Wetrin, Darren Zitren, Sam Barth, Adam Jacobs, Josh Taylor, Zach Goodman, James Phillips, Jon Pressman, Dan Krieger, Simon Cohen
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Brad Porter (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 3 Fortune 0
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FAITHFOLD B vs REAL HENDON
Faithfold's home form has been nothing short of woeful this season. Seven consecutive defeats and only five goals tells you the Hive is anything but a fortress.
That will be music to the ears of a Real team who are best going forward.
I'm not expecting a defensive master-class from either team on Sunday and expect an open and entertaining affair.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, David Garson, Mike Patterson, Josh Barnett, Ben Kfir, James Stanton, Yosef Brownson, Stuart Haring, Josh Martin, Ben Portnoi, Yitzy Hill, JJ Marrache, Rob Cohen, Yidy Gertner, Dan Yoss, David Kerzneris, Moishi Lewis, Nick Roman, Alex Weinfeld
REAL (from): Raffy Zysblatt, Ben Cohen, Ben Goldberg, Martin Smulovitch, Doron Shooter, Gilad Kestenbaum, Lolu Hibbert, Joe Goldberg, Zvi Noe, Hezzie Raymond, Motty Korman, Chaim Gothold, Adam Hersh, Lloyd Kafton, Gali Kolt, Chaim Strom, Gav Noe, Harley Patoffs, Jono Marks-Bluth
Venue – Hive, Ref – Nigel Burns, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Zvi Noe (Real)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Real 3
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs FC TEAM
FC Team are right where player-manager Mitch Young wants them. On the cusp of the promotion zone, they are enjoying a good moment.
Hertswood fans will remember it was Young who unlocked the door when the sides met in October. And he hasn't stopped scoring since.
Danny Moss was missing that day but he's also made a big impact this season, with his twinkle-toed runs down the left wing and monster throws.
Hertswood enjoyed a terrific win over Raiders last time out in the league but I think they will struggle against Team's direct approach.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HERTSWOOD (from): Joni Hirschowitz, James Neidle Gal Alkalay, Josh Cohen, Simon Englander, Yehuda Fink, Theo Gluckstein, Josh Gorb, Harry Graham, Ashley Hirschburger, Sammy Huberman, Adrian Leibovitch, Jonty Schogger, Ben Chiltern, Danny Feuer, Jack Shulman, Josh Cohen, Simon Englander, Jordan Harris, Michael Elia, Isaac Segalov
TEAM (from): David Gordon, Jamie Breslaw, Eitan Ben-Zion, Jon Breger, Dan Breger, Danny Moss, James Korn, Marc Hecht, James Milman, Adam Rones, David Grossman, Jamie Breslaw, Eddie Sternberg, Mitch Young, Richard Salmon, Dylan Young
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Marc Hecht (Team)
DC Prediction: Hertswood 0 Team 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C STRAW HAT PIRATES
Raiders will be looking to finish the weekend five points clear of the Pirates but they can take nothing for granted against improving opponents.
It finished 1-1 when the sides met in October and another close encounter looks on the cards.
Raiders were back to their best last time out but consistency has been an issue and joint-manager Sam Rose will be determined to put that right. With a tweak here and a little tinker there, they are a joy to watch when at their free-flowing best and I hope he encourages L'Oranges 'just to go for it from the first whistle'.
The Pirates haven't kept a clean sheet in four and boss Elliot Cukier will remind his defenders to stay compact and adopt a no-nonsense approach.
Their front two are as good as anyone in the division so it's important they win their individual and collective battles.
I'm predicting a game of goals and a narrow NLR win.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Joel Macadar, Alex Goodman, Matt Keston, David Domb, Adam Levenson, Sam Roth, Eyal Samovich, Joel Levitt, Callum Stein, Ricky Zeiderman, David Esterkin, Liam Stein, Ben Kaye, Nick Haringman, Alex Elf, Jonny Blain
PIRATES (from): David Wolinsky, Jake Yudelowitz, Sam Assil, Matt Cohen, Sam Cohen, Jono Nesbitt, Aron Gale, Gideon Gale, Solly Ishack, Ben Mandell, Jono Nesbitt, Joel Newman, Saul Tiano
Ref – Steven Russell, KO – 10.10am
JC star man: Liam Stein (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 SHP 3
