Preview: Forest Green Rovers vs. Leyton Orient - prediction, team news, lineups

Despite sitting top of the pile in League Two, Forest Green Rovers have experienced a dip in form in recent weeks, but they will have the chance to end their six-game winless run, when they play host to Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

As for the visitors, they are still searching for their first win of 2022 and enter the midweek contest without a win in their last 15 matches in all competitions

Match preview

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After beating Rochdale on February 8, Forest Green had a 16 point cushion to fourth place, but a poor run of results has seen that gap come down to nine points.

Despite collecting just three points from their last six games, Forest Green remain in the driving seat as they look to win promotion to League One for the first time in their history.

Rob Edwards will be hoping his side can avoid a third consecutive home defeat after losing 2-0 against Bradford City at the New Lawn on Saturday.

The Rovers boss would have been particularly concerned that League Two's highest-scoring team have failed to score in their last two home outings.

With confidence at a premium, Forest Green will look to take inspiration from the home victory they picked up against Leyton Orient last season and a repeat of that 2-1 win on Tuesday would get the league leaders back on track in their promotion bid.

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Following a poor start to 2022, Kenny Jackett was relieved of his managerial duties after Leyton Orient's defeat to Bristol Rovers on February 22.

After weighing up suitable candidates, Orient announced Jackett's replacement last week as former Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens.

The 41-year-old took charge of his first game on Saturday, and he witnessed his new side play out a goalless draw away to Hartlepool.

Although still searching for their first win of the calendar year, Saturday's point did represent Leyton Orient's third consecutive draw.

With 12 games left to play, Orient are just five points clear of the relegation zone and hopes of a positive result on Tuesday may be slim with the O's holding the third-worst away record in League Two this season.

Team News

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Jordan Taylor-Moore returned to the Forest Green starting lineup on Saturday after shaking off an injury issue, and he will retain his place for Tuesday's contest.

However, he will not be joined in the backline by Godwin-Malife, who is suspended following his red card at the weekend.

The hosts will be hoping they can welcome Dominic Bernard back into the fold after the 24-year-old missed Saturday's game due to a knock.

Meanwhile, Adam Thompson is expected to keep his place at right-back after starting the last three games.

Wellens brought Hector Kyprianou back into the side on Saturday and the 21-year-old will feature in a midfield three alongside Ruel Sotiriou and Ethan Coleman.

There could be a change in the forward line with Aaron Drinan - who has scored 10 league goals this season - set to replace Paul Smyth.

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; Bernard, Taylor-Moore, Cargill; Wilson, Adams, Sweeney, Cadden; Aitchison, Matt, Stevens

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:
Vigouroux; Thompson, Ray, Beckles, Wood; Sotiriou, Kyprianou, Coleman; Archibald, Drinan, Smith

We say: Forest Green Rovers 2-1 Leyton Orient

Although they have struggle of late, Forest Green still possess the quality that has seen them rise to the top of the League Two table, and we think they will edge out a Leyton Orient side who are winless in their last 14 league games.

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