Former Cardiff City defender Mike Ford is plotting the downfall of Merthyr Town at Penydarren Park on Saturday (3pm).
Ford, who made more than 230 first team appearances for the Bluebirds over two spells, is now manager of Southern League Banbury United.
He goes head-to-head with Merthyr manager Gavin Williams in a Premier Division fixture which is crucial to both clubs.
Merthyr are fourth in the table, just ahead of Banbury.
Ford, 50, was appointed Banbury manager two years ago and has steered them into a challenging position among the leading clubs.
They were relegated to Division One South and West in 2015, but bounced straight back last season, gaining promotion through the play-offs after finishing as runners-up to Cinderford Town.
The Puritans would need three points to overtake Merthyr, who are unbeaten at home and could move into third spot with a victory if Hitchin Town fail to win at lowly St Neots.
Banbury have spent most of this season in the top half of the table, while an unbeaten run of nine league games unbeaten has lifted them into the play-off positions.
Their home match against Chesham in midweek was abandoned just before half-time because of fog with the score 0-0.
Conor McDonagh is Banbury’s top scorer on 16 goals, including three in the last two fixtures. Last season’s leading scorer Ricky Johnson has 11, but is expected to miss the Merthyr visit through injury.
Jarrad Wright, who can play in midfield or at the back, is added to the Merthyr squad who drew against King’s Lynn in midweek.
Edwards Coaches sponsor of the match and Merthyr Flooring Centre are match ball sponsors.
Merthyr Town players will be wearing rainbow laces on their boots to promote the Stonewall UK charity.
Stonewall is a charity that campaigns in schools, workplaces and communities across Britain to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people can be themselves and participate in society.
Find out more about Stonewall UK and the rainbow laces campaign via http://www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/rainbow-laces
