Local bragging rights up for grabs as Guiseley take on Farsley Celtic

Both sides have endured mixed fortunes this season in National League North, with differing form being the main imbalance between the two; which is strange considering the sides were neck and neck in the same division just a year ago.

Guiseley have struggled for consistency this season and currently occupy 19th spot, just two places above the relegation zone.

The Lions, who were unfortunate not to finish in the play-offs last term before Covid-19 curtailed the season on a points-per-game basis, have found it difficult to keep clean sheets this time around.

Celtic, however, have excelled this season after a tumultuous start to the campaign. They are currently unbeaten in their last five league games, losing just one of their last seven in all competitions.

Languishing above the drop zone for much of the start of the season, Adam Lakeland’s side have masterminded a huge turnaround in form and currently find themselves just outside the play-offs.

The last meeting between these two at Nethermoor was incidentally on Boxing Day last year, with the home side prevailing 2-0; something joint-manager Marcus Bignot will be looking to replicate in order to drag his team out of the relegation fight.

Lions captain Hamza Bencherif, will be missing through suspension following his dismissal against Stockport County.

For the Celts, Joel Byrom misses the game as he continues his recovery from injury but Paddy Lane will return to the squad after re-joining the club on loan for a second spell this week while Adam Barton is also eligible for selection after receiving international clearance.

The two clubs meet again at The Citadel on New Year’s Day, and so today’s encounter (3pm kick-off) will be a good sign of things to come across the festive period.

A win today could take Guiseley as high as 14th, while a win for the visitors could see them up to fourth place.