Target Corp. is defending its board of directors ahead of its shareholders meeting later this week, during which a key shareholder will fight to change it.

The four-month struggle between Target and William Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital Management will reach another flashpoint during the meeting on Thursday.

Pershing Square owns a 7.8 percent stake in the company.

Target Chairman and Chief Executive Gregg Steinhafel has said Ackman’s proposal to change the board would hurt its ability to generate lasting value for all shareholders.

Ackman claims his slate of candidates — which includes himself — would bolster Target’s board’s expertise in retail, credit cards and real estate.

Target has asked shareholders to vote against Ackman’s picks and re-elect four current directors.