Match Preview - East Kilbride (A)

This weekend we’ll make the short journey from North to South Lanarkshire, for a top of the table clash against East Kilbride. Reigning Lowland League champions EK will be looking to reclaim top position in the table, but after enjoying an undefeated start to the season, the Braves will head to K-Park in full confidence.

The form guide:

The unstoppable force meets…

With the most potent attack in the division, East Kilbride have shown their striking quality on numerous occasions this season. So far, Mick Kennedy’s side have bagged an impressive 35 goals in their eight league games this season.

The Kilby come into this game on the back of three straight victories, including an impressive 3-2 win against League One outfit Cove Rangers, in the SPFL Trust Trophy. Their only league defeat this season arrived on matchday two, being a 2-1 loss away to Cumbernauld Colts.

The immovable object!

Our hosts may hold the strongest attacking record in the league, but they’ll be facing off against the meanest defence in the division. So far this season, we’ve only conceded four goals in our nine league games, whilst also keeping two clean sheets in our two South Challenge Cup games.

And following a 2-0 win against Rossvale in the competition last week, we made it eleven undefeated to start the season. In the Lowland League, we currently sit atop of the table with six wins and three draws in our nine games - although we have played one more game than the sides below us.

The key men - familiar foes!

Nathan Flanagan is our tip for East Kilbride’s key man this weekend. The dangerous winger can play on either side and possess an impressive turn of pace and a strong left foot.

Last season, Flanagan caused issues at Alliance Park, scoring one and winning a penalty during in a comeback win for his side.

For the Braves, Ross McNeil is our tip, as he faces off against his former side. Our club captain has been in superb form this season, bagging nine goals in his eight league appearances.

Rossco formerly played with EK himself, playing a key role in their 2016/17 Lowland League triumph.

The fitness check

Coming into this game, Ricky Waddell will be pleased with the available options at his disposal, having came through a tough period of injuries.

In recent weeks, Lennon Walker and Aiden Clocherty have made welcome returns to our matchday squad, with the former playing the first 60 minutes against Rossvale last week.

Jack Brown is expected to be fit after overcoming a minor knock, whilst Enzo Wright his getting close to a return after picking up an injury in pre-season.

Zac Butterworth is continuing to work hard to return from a groin injury and is hoping to make a return for November.

What the managers are saying

Last week, both gaffers were asked for their initial thoughts about this weekend’s game, following their respective cup wins.

Ricky Waddell told BravesTV: “It’s part of the league season. We take things game by game and we’ll prepare like we do for any game.

“It’s a different game, so we’ll look at that and take it into consideration. But for me, we’ve got a really good, tight group of boys in there.

“I know our squad at Caley Braves is a match for anybody. We work hard, identify areas for improvement and we’ll try take that into the game.”

Meanwhile, Mick Kennedy said to East Kilbride TV: “They’ve started the season well and it’ll be a difficult game.

“I’m looking forward to it. We should always look to be the favourites against anyone, but they’ve started the season really well.

“We’ll get into training this week and be prepared for it.”

When we last met

Our last clash with EK came way back in January, when the sides battled out a 0-0 draw at K-Park. Both teams had huge chances to win the game, with Nathan Flanagan and Jamie Watson coming closest for both sides. You can watch the highlights from that meeting by clicking here (for a goalless draw, it was entertaining, we promise!)

Key info

Saturday’s game will be a 3pm kick-off at K-Park, East Kilbride.

Tickets will be available for £10 (adults), £8 (12-16 & 65+) and £5 (under 12) * 1 child free per each paying adult.

Live coverage

If you can’t be there, we’ll be providing live audio commentary on X Spaces.

You can tune in for kick-off at 3pm wherever you are around the world, by simply clicking on our X profile picture, when illuminated in purple.

MORE

We’ve been delighted to receive a swarm of support for our player sponsorships in the last couple of weeks.

Our full squad has now been sponsored, so we'll be getting our final announcements this week!

We still have a wide range of commercial opportunities available at the link here.