Salford City play host to Grimsby Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would move them into the top half of the League Two standings.
The home side sit just three points adrift of their upcoming opponents, who are just one point adrift of the playoff places despite being in 11th position.
Match preview
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After their initial burst up the league pyramid, Salford have plateaued in recent years to the extent where they feel cemented as a mid-table side in the fourth tier.
Their first win of the campaign did not come until September, while Karl Robinson's team have also only collected four points from their most recent four games.
That came in their last outing, Salford earning a 1-0 triumph over AFC Wimbledon courtesy of a late goal from Junior Luamba.
As a result, there is now a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, giving them some breathing space as they look to focus on moving up the table.
Conceding just nine goals in as many fixtures is an impressive feat, but netting just six times at the other end is preventing any meaningful progress.
Meanwhile, there remains no middle ground as far as Grimsby are concerned with each of their last 16 League Two matches ending with a win or defeat.
There is an equal split of eight apiece, yet David Artell will be more than satisfied that a three-game winning streak was recently put together in this division.
Bromley, Carlisle United and Gillingham were all defeated, but the Mariners were brought back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers.
On a positive note, Grimsby have shaken off a three-game losing streak on their travels to start the season with back-to-back victories.
Team News
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With Luamba having come off the substitutes' bench to score his first goal of the season, he could get the nod in the Salford attack.
Cole Stockton would be the player to make way in what may prove to be the only change to the team.
Meanwhile, Grimsby boss Artell will make at least one change courtesy of Harvey Rodgers serving a one-match suspension.
Lewis Cass could be moved into a central-defensive role with Tyrell Warren being used at right-back.
Young midfielder Cameron Gardner is pushing for his first start in League Two this season.
Salford City possible starting lineup:
Jones; Mnoga, Negru, Austerfield; Taylor, Ashley, Fornah, Garbutt; N'Mai; Kouassi, Luamba
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Smith; Warren, Cass, McJannet, Hume; McEachran; Svanthorsson, Green, Khouri, Barrington; Rose
We say: Salford City 1-1 Grimsby Town
Given Salford's lack of goals, we cannot back them with any great confidence ahead of this contest. Nevertheless, they may do enough for a share of the spoils, keeping them clear of the relegation zone.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
