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Caerphilly Athletic are expecting fireworks once again in their upcoming match against arch-rivals Aber Valley FC, but their opposition insist “cool heads” will win the day.

The pair meet at Ystrad Mynach’s Centre for Sporting Excellence on Saturday December 9 with very contrasting form. Aber Valley come into the game unbeaten in the South Wales Alliance League Premier Division, but have only played five games due to cup runs and bad weather.

Meanwhile Caerphilly “can’t buy a win”, according to their first team manager, Ian Butterworth. They sit one from bottom with just two wins from eight this season, but insist form will be out of the window for this one.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Butterworth said: “It’s a super intense rivalry. Aside from the fact we’re both based in Caerphilly, it does come with history.

“One of the coaches here, Rhys Whatley, used to be over at Aber Valley. There have been a load of players who have gone back and forth to each club too so it’s always a feisty game on the pitch.

“We expect to see cards and I think it could get a bit mad.”

From Aber Valley’s point of view, manager Dean Wood is preparing for this game “like any other”. His side sit sixth in the table, having played seven games less than the league leaders who are only 12 points clear.

He spoke to Caerphilly Observer and said: “It’s all about the bigger picture for us. Cool heads are going to win the day in this one.

“Bragging rights are there of course they are, but having not played many league games, we need to put points on the board.”

On the season so far, Wood said: “We’re happy with our start and we can’t complain about our results. We lost a few players in the summer but we were proactive to bring lads in.

“We like to get the ball down and play but we actually prefer to play on grass so the match presents a different challenge for us from that point of view.”

On the opposition, Wood added: “When you look at their squad they’re playing well below their expectations and it’s a surprise to see them down there.”

The game is expected to kick-off at 2pm on Saturday.