York City are set to face Oldham Athletic at the LNER Community Stadium on Tuesday evening for their semi-final tie in the National League playoffs.
The hosts qualified directly to this stage after finishing second in the table, while the visitors advanced past Halifax Town in their playoff quarter-final clash.
Match preview
© Imago
York City are aiming to book their return to the English Football League for the first time since their League Two relegation in 2015-16, when they placed 23rd with just 34 points from 46 games.
The Minstermen battled throughout the campaign to claim the National League title and secure automatic promotion, but three defeats and two draws in an eight-game stretch between February and March caused York City to fall behind champions Barnet, who went on to lift the trophy with a six-point lead.
As a result of their second-placed finish, Adam Hinshelwood's side secured a place in the semi-finals of the National League playoffs, meaning they are just two matches away from their return to the fourth tier.
York City are in superb form heading into the clash, ending the campaign undefeated in their last eight matches - with seven wins and one draw - while they have also been afforded a 15-day rest due to their automatic advancement to this round.
Hinshelwood's men will also enjoy the home advantage on Tuesday evening, and having recorded an impressive 16 wins, four draws and just three defeats at the LNER Community Stadium in the league this season, they have ample reason for confidence.
Once a Premier League side, having competed in the inaugural campaign in 1992-93, Oldham have suffered a dramatic decline over the past 32 seasons, ultimately dropping all the way to the National League after their most recent relegation in 2021-22 - becoming the first Premier League side to compete in the division.
Now looking for a return to League Two, in what would be their first promotion since 1990-91, Oldham finished fifth in the National League standings, securing a playoff spot.
The Blues entered the playoffs at the quarter-final stage, where they hosted Halifax Town, and a commanding 4-0 victory ensured that they move one step closer to Wembley and promotion glory.
Micky Mellon's men were the fourth best performing side on the road in the league this term, taking 34 points from 23 away matches, but they have failed to defeat York City in any of their three visits to the LNER Community Stadium - all ending in 1-1 draws.
Team News
![Oldham Athletic Manager Micky Mellon is managing during the Pre-season Friendly match between Oldham Athletic and Stockport County at Boundary Park in Oldham, England, on July 13, 2024. [on August 18, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/33/micky-mellon.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Oldham Athletic Manager Micky Mellon is managing during the Pre-season Friendly match between Oldham Athletic and Stockport County at Boundary Park in Oldham, England, on July 13, 2024. [on August 18, 2024]")
© Imago
The Minstermen have been given a 15-day break since their last outing, meaning Hinshelwood should have a fully-fit squad available for selection, so a similar team that defeated Eastleigh on the final day of the season is expected.
York City's Ollie Pearce has adapted seamlessly since stepping up from the National League South in the summer window, topping the league's goalscoring charts with 31 in 45 matches, and the striker is certain to lead the line on Tuesday.
Oldham Athletic comfortably progressed past Halifax Town in their playoff quarter-final tie, securing a 4-0 victory, and Mellon could name an unchanged 11 as a result.
Mike Fondop and Joe Garner both found the net in that match, and their strike partnership is expected to continue on Tuesday, while wide-men Joe Pritchard and Mark Kitching also likely to start after getting on the scoresheet as well.
York City possible starting lineup:
Male; Fagan-Walcott, Howe, Crookes, John; Felix, Hunt; Richardson, Nathaniel-George, Sinclair; Pearce
Oldham Athletic possible starting lineup:
Hudson; Monthe, Raglan, Ogle; Pritchard, Yoganathan, Evans, Pett, Kitching; Fondop, Garner
We say: York City 3-1 Oldham Athletic
Oldham will certainly be buoyed after their 4-0 quarter-final victory, but York City have been formidable at home this term and ended the season in spectacular form, leading us to expect a home win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
