Swindon Town play host to Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon knowing only a win will do if they wish to remain extreme outsiders for the playoffs.
At a time when the home side sit in 15th position in the League Two table, Accrington are down in 20th place and pushing towards safety.
Match preview
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Ian Holloway has worked wonders at Swindon since his October arrival, swiftly moving the club away from the relegation zone with foundations laid for next season.
However, there will be some frustration that Swindon are not in a better position having only earned two wins from their last seven games, leaving them 11 points adrift of the playoffs.
A positive spin can be put on recent draws with Doncaster Rovers and Cheltenham Town having come from behind to secure share of the spoils, yet it is not enough at this stage of the season.
In the long term, though, the Robins have lost just twice in 17 League Two fixtures, and supporters would have taken that when they were flirting with relegation.
Swindon have not lost at the County Ground in the league since November 23, a period stretching 10 matches.
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As for Accrington Stanley, John Doolan is currently doing enough to ensure that the club retain their EFL status for another season.
There were times earlier in the campaign when that came under severe threat, yet 21 points have been collected from their last 16 League Two fixtures.
Most notably, 10 points have been accumulated from their last six encounters, including a 5-0 victory over Newport County that has significantly improved their goal difference in comparison to the teams below them.
Now sitting 10 points clear of 23nd position, Accrington can start to play with a greater freedom, yet this is a team that has lost 12 of its 19 away contests in the league during 2024-25.
Team News
![Paul Glatzel of Swindon Town applauds the fans after the Sky Bet League 2 match at MEMS Priestfield Stadium, on February 13, 2024 [on August 7, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/32/paul-glatzel.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Paul Glatzel of Swindon Town applauds the fans after the Sky Bet League 2 match at MEMS Priestfield Stadium, on February 13, 2024 [on August 7, 2024]")
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Holloway must decide whether to tinker with his Swindon side, their comeback against Cheltenham helped by their opponents being reduced to 10 men.
Despite being Holloway's first port of call in that game, youngster Joe Westley may have to make do with a spot on the substitutes' bench with Harry Smith continuing to lead the line.
Nnamdi Ofoborh is an option to return in central midfield if Holloway wishes to add a different look to his team, but Paul Glatzel will likely remain among the replacements.
Meanwhile, Doolan could opt to name the same Accrington Stanley side on the basis of Gillingham's equaliser last time out coming in the 93rd minute.
Although Kelsey Mooney has only scored twice since August, he netted a double two games ago and should keep his spot in the attack.
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Ripley; McGregor, Clarke, Wright, Freckleton; Kilkenny, Butterworth; Ameen, Nichols, Tshimanga; Smith
Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Crellin; Matthews, Rawson, Ward; Love, Conneely, Woods, Batty; O'Brien-Whitmarsh; Walton, Mooney
We say: Swindon Town 3-1 Accrington Stanley
Although Accrington have been in good form of late, Swindon know that they have little option but to push for maximum points from the start. With that in mind, we feel that a fast beginning to the game will benefit Holloway's side on their way to success.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
