FOLLOWING an unusually prolonged absence, Kidderminster should finally return to league action for the first time this year when they host Guiseley on Saturday.

Despite a miserable run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions, the Harriers’ parlous recent form has not, surprisingly, resulted in them being installed as underdogs to win this time out.

Instead, they kick off as Ladbrokes’ marginal 6/4 favourites to secure maximum points; Guiseley, by contrast, are Betfred’s surprisingly long 17/10 outsiders.

It follows that the only certainty as far as punters are concerned is that this contest will be tight. With both sides requiring points for different reasons, bet365’s 13/5 for it to finish with honours even has been well supported.

Kidderminster lost 1-0 when the pair met earlier in the season and the opening strike could once again prove conclusive: Coral consider the Harriers a 5/6 shot to score it, while Paddy Power chalk an attractive 7/2 against it arriving inside the first 10 minutes.

Punters who suspect that the Harriers can maintain a single goal advantage at 90 minutes may consider Skybet’s 3/1 for them to enjoy a one goal margin of victory worthy of further consideration.

In other markets, Ladbrokes’ 3/1 for Kidderminster to lead at the end of both halves has proved popular. In similar vein, BetVictor’s 2/1 for the Harriers to be in front at half time and Stan James’s 5/1 for the home side to win following an inconclusive opening period have both attracted steady business.

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