The ARMCO Arena plays host to what should be a very entertaining, high quality match between Solihull Moors & Southend United in game-week two of the 2022/23 National League season.
After cruising to a four-one victory away to Aldershot Town on the opening day, Neal Ardley's side will be full of both promise, confidence and determination when they host Southend on Saturday afternoon, on what weather wise will be a very interesting match.
The visitors will be desperate for a response, after they slumped to defeat against Boreham Wood on the opening day. Despite, both sides having perfect opportunities to score, it was former Solihull Moors striker Danny Newton who grabbed the all important goal.
-
Team News - Solihull Moors
In Hampshire, boss Neal Ardley gave immediate debuts to loanee Louie Moulden in goal and experienced full-back Ben Coker. The latter of which, opened his account for the season last weekend. Elsewhere, returning loanees Fiacre Kelleher and Alex Reid were also handed second debuts.
Solihull Moors were also hit by injuries as they were without seven players, including goalkeeper Ryan Boot, defender Alex Gudger and captain Kyle Storer. That wasn't all, as new signing Joey Jones also sustained a hip injury in training which has ruled him out for the next few weeks at least, according to boss Neal Ardley.
-
Team News - Southend United
In Essex, Southend United gave Wrexham loanee Jake Hyde, his first league start of the season whilst fellow new signing Chris Wreh came on as a second half substitute, but unfortunately he couldn't provide a goal or assist to help the hosts avoid defeat.
In terms of injury concerns, Jake Hyde had a debut to forget, after the 32-year-old was forced off after just twelve minutes. This was due to a hamstring injury which forced boss Kevin Maher into an early change and we await to see if he makes the squad for Saturday's match.
-
Likely Lineups
Moulden (GK), Clarke, Howe (C), Kelleher, Coker, Maycock, Osborne, Barnett, Sbarra, Dallas, Kelly
Southend United;
Arnold, Ralph (C), Hobson, Kensdale, Bridge, Husin, Mooney, Clifford, Taylor, Miley, Wreh
-
Key Players
Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors)
Midfielder Joe Sbarra opened up his account for the 2022/23 season last weekend, with a superb finish after strong wing-play from Ryan Barnett. Sbarra recently signed a new two-year deal with the club and had his one-year contract option triggered following the clubs heartbreaking 2021/22 play-off final defeat against Grimsby Town.
The 23-year-old scored an impressive eighteen league goals last season and already has one for this season. He's a tricky midfielder, one that loves to slot into pockets of space either inside or just outside of the penalty area. This makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders and he will be eager to expand his tally on Saturday afternoon.
Jack Bridge (Southend United)
As for Southend United, midfielder Jack Bridge is certainly a player that opposition defences need to be wary off. The 26-year-old has years of experience playing in the EFL (English Football League) for sides like Northampton Town and Carlisle United.
Bridge made 27 appearances for Southend United last season, scoring twice from central midfield. He's a player that likes to get the ball down and spread the play out wide. He knows due to his prior experience, exactly where to position himself to either create or break-up chances depending on the situation in play.
-
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Saturday's National League match between Solihull Moors and Southend United will take place at the ARMCO Arena. The stadium is currently undergoing more construction, with the arrival of a new side-stand in order to host more fans, with the average attendances of the club on the rise.
What time is kick-off?
Kick off will be at 15:00, in line with all the other National League fixtures for gameweek 2, except the late kick off between Oldham Athletic and Dorking Wanderers.
How can I watch the game?
The only way to watch the match is by purchasing a match ticket and watching the game in person at the ARMCO Arena on Saturday. There will be radio coverage but that is yet to be confirmed by Solihull Moors so stay tuned to the clubs social media platforms.