Preview: Cheltenham Town vs. Fleetwood Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Cheltenham Town and Fleetwood Town meet on Saturday afternoon with both clubs looking for the victory which will move them clear of the League One relegation zone.

As it stands, the two clubs occupy 16th and 19th place respectively, both having avoided defeat in their last three league fixtures.

Match preview

Heading into December, some Cheltenham supporters would have been envisaging a potential bid for the playoffs during the second half of the campaign.

However, an 11-game streak without success ended those aspirations, Cheltenham only concluding that barren spell with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland earlier this week.

The Robins came from behind to see off the promotion-chasing Black Cats, creating a seven-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

Despite the frustration of recent months, Michael Duff's team have now only suffered one defeat in seven outings, that solitary setback coming away at leaders Rotherham United.

Cheltenham are also unbeaten in their last four games at Whaddon Road, a record which is in sharp contrast to Fleetwood's return on the road this season.

The North-West outfit have prevailed in just two of their 14 away fixtures, although the positives will be taken from five points coming from a possible 12.

Stephen Crainey has witnessed his team post draws in their last four outings, the latest coming at home to third-placed MK Dons on Tuesday night.

As it stands, stalemates have been enough to keep the Cod Army outside of the bottom four, but Crainey is aware that they need victories on the board as soon as possible.

Youngster Paddy Lane continues to be one of the top Under-21 players in the division, the playmaker netting three times in his last four outings to take him to 12 goal contributions for the campaign.

Team News

Despite the success over Sunderland, Duff has options available to him if he wants to freshen up his midfield.

Liam Sercombe and Callum Wright are both in contention for recalls, with Charlie Colkett likely to be assessed after making his first competitive start for more than two months.

As for Fleetwood, Callum Camps continues to serve a ban, so Harrison Biggins is expected to remain in the centre of the pitch.

Having made an impression as a substitute against MK Dons, Harvey Macadam may be provided with a start on the flank.

The rest of the team could stay the same after they impressed against one of the form teams in the division.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Evans; Raglan, Pollock, Boyle; Blair, Ramsey, Bonds, Sercombe, Williams; Etete, May

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Cairns; Johnson, Nsiala, Clarke, Andrew; Lane, Batty, Biggins; Macadam, Harrison, Butterworth

We say: Cheltenham Town 1-1 Fleetwood Town

All things considered, this should be a competitive fixture between two evenly-matched teams. With the focus potentially on avoiding defeat over pushing for a win, a share of the spoils feels the most likely outcome.

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