Amongst the first instalment of National League fixtures in a quick-fire double header this extended Bank Holiday weekend is an intriguing clash between two sides seeking to rectify their underwhelming starts thus far, as Yeovil Town host Dagenham & Redbridge against a quaint Somerset backdrop.
However, that won't match the Glovers' internal spirits recently as they are yet to earn their maiden victory of the Chris Hargreaves era, after the long-serving BT Sport pundit swapped the microphone for the touchline this summer to seize the reins vacated by Darren Sarll's departure for divisional rivals Woking. They've drawn twice and lost twice, though can at least take solace from scoring in every fixture.
Dagenham were occupying the relegation zone alongside them until last weekend's morale-boosting win over Maidenhead United, their first of the season supplemented by an equally valued clean sheet. Beforehand, they'd had draws at home to Gateshead and away at Eastleigh, with a last-gasp equaliser for the hosts in both, either side of a defeat against Woking.
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Team news
Yeovil Town's selection pool for this weekend has been expanded with the signings of youthful duo Callum Rowe and Jake Scrimshaw, announced on the eve of the Dagenham match. Each will provide more depth to a squad ahead of a notoriously challenging period.
Further good news for the Glovers comes courtesy of their imposing centre-half Ben Richards-Everton returning from his injury sustained on opening day, while Sam Pearson is also nearing full fitness again albeit less so, as his availability is touch and go.
Yeovil manager Chris Hargreaves has a healthy squad to choose from for this weekend's visit of Dagenham. (Image: Steve Bond/PPAUK)
Dagenham & Redbridge
Daggers are also in a better position in terms of numerical availability than they were last weekend, as midfielders Omar Mussa and Harry Phipps are options at the discretion of Daryl McMahon. Furthermore, Sam Ling is believed to be fully fit despite being forced off against Maidenhead.
George Saunders remains on the treatment table for the foreseeable future, though is reportedly making excellent progress in his recovery. Ángelo Balanta is out until Christmas, as per a pre-season update issued by the club.
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Likely lineups
Grant Smith; Jamie Reckord, Max Hunt, Josh Staunton, Morgan Williams, Charlie Wakefield; Lawson D'Ath, Sam Perry, Matt Worthington; Malachi Linton, Gime Touré
Dagenham & Redbridge
Elliot Justham; Mauro Vilhete, Elliott Johnson, David Longe-King, Josh Hare, Sam Ling; Nikola Tavares, Mo Sagaf, Matt Robinson; Paul McCallum, Junior Morias
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Key Players
Jamie Reckord (Yeovil Town)
As well as providing vital experience to an otherwise largely youthful squad, honing his trade via almost 150 appearances for fellow National League outfits Solihull Moors, Wrexham and Boreham Wood before pitching up at Huish Park this summer, Reckord has also established himself as an unlikely goal threat having netted twice from four games for his new club thus far. Both proved to be consolations in 2-1 reverses against Scunthorpe United and Barnet, but nonetheless highlight the defender's ability to get high up the pitch.
Paul McCallum (Dagenham & Redbridge)
From a newly-emerging goalscorer to one who has been doing it at this level for years. Paul McCallum struck eighteen times last season, amongst them a brace in the 3-0 victory at Yeovil - ironically also netting the decisive own goal in the reverse fixture - and has carried that prolific record into the new campaign with three already, despite the Daggers lacking the same attacking impetus so far. He has registered more appearances and goals there than any other club in his career, but is now in the last year of his contract.
Paul McCallum slides home during last season's meeting at Huish Park, which his side won 3-0. (Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Yeovil Town are at home for this fixture, so it will be played at their Huish Park home, located in the South-West county of Somerset. Their two games there so far this season have delivered an average attendance of approximately 2500.
What time is kick-off?
3pm. The televised contest between Woking and Wrexham is the only one of Saturday's games in the division to deviate from that traditional time, instead getting underway just over two hours later due to being broadcast on BT Sport.
How can I watch?
The game is not being televised so, besides attending the stadium, the closest anybody can get to the action is via regional station Three Valleys Radio, linked here. Both clubs will provide coverage via Twitter as well as a highlights package when the embargo is lifted on late Sunday evening.