After an impressive outing at the weekend, Swindon Town welcome Salford City on Tuesday for matchweek 35 of League Two, looking to build on their momentum.
The hosts secured back-to-back victories with a stunning 1-0 away win over leaders Walsall on Saturday, a result that lifted them to 14th in the standings with 44 points, though Ian Holloway's men remain 11 points adrift of the playoff spots.
Match preview
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Swindon's shock triumph at Bescot Stadium highlighted their resurgence, as they recorded their sixth win in eight matches.
The Robins went toe-to-toe with the league leaders, even edging them in possession and shots on target, one of which proved decisive in the 59th minute when Joel Cotterill rifled into the roof of the net from eight yards after a Kabongo Tshimanga effort was blocked.
"I have never seen a group turn into such a together one in my life," Holloway said after the hard-fought three points, praising his side's unity, which has been the catalyst for their recent turnaround.
Swindon have now secured more wins in their last eight league games than they managed in their previous 26, where they had picked up just five victories.
Despite this remarkable upturn, Holloway remains relentless in his ambitions, insisting: "We have come a long way in a short time, but we have got to go further; I am never going to be happy until we are where I think we can be, and we have more than enough games left to do it."
Having just claimed their second win over a top-10 side this season, Swindon know a continuation of their current run is crucial in the push for the playoffs, though they face a daunting challenge against ninth-placed Salford, whom they have never beaten at home, losing once and drawing twice in three meetings.
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Meanwhile, the visitors will be aiming for their first-ever league double over Swindon, having edged them 2-1 in the reverse fixture back in October.
However, Salford's current struggles cast doubt on their chances, with the Ammies securing just one victory in their last nine matches.
That poor run has worsened in recent weeks, with three consecutive defeats, the latest being a devastating home loss against Bradford City on Saturday.
Salford had looked poised to end their losing streak when Frankie Okoronkwo put them ahead on the hour mark, but Bradley Halliday's equaliser in the 71st minute set up a tense finale before Michael Mellon's last-gasp winner inflicted a crushing blow on Karl Robinson's men.
That result saw the Ammies slide further down the table, with their 48 points leaving them seven points adrift of the playoff spots, making Tuesday's clash a must-win if they are to reignite their promotion push.
Team News
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Swindon's defensive issues persist, with long-term absentee Harrison Minturn still sidelined, while Grant Hall remains a doubt and Ryan Delaney's availability is uncertain after missing the last three games.
Adding to their woes, Ollie Clarke, who has filled in as a makeshift centre-back in the past two matches, is suspended after picking up his tenth booking of the season last time out.
This opens the door for Tunmise Sobowale to make his first start in the position since October, having recently been deployed at right-back.
Salford, on the other hand, continue to deal with long-term absences, as Dan Chesters, Josh Austerfield and Ossama Ashley remain sidelined through injury.
Further concerns arise with forwards Cole Stockton and Kylian Kouassi, along with full-back Luke Garbutt, all missing at the weekend, leaving doubts over their availability, which could see Okoronkwo retain his role as the central striker, while Kevin Berkoe may continue in defence.
There is some positive news for the visitors, as Kelly Nmai made a 20-minute cameo last time out following his recovery from a knee injury that had kept him out since December, and he could get more minutes in this encounter.
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Freckleton, Wright, Sobowale, McGregor; Kilkenny, Ofoborth; Tshimanga, Nichols, Cotterill; Smith
Salford City possible starting lineup:
Jones; Mnoga, Tilt, Negru, Berkoe; Watson, Lund, Fomah; Longelo, Okoronkwo, Adelakun,
We say: Swindon Town 2-0 Salford City
Salford's strong record in this fixture may hold little weight given their recent struggles, while Swindon's resurgence has seen them dispatch the league leaders in their latest outing.
With momentum on their side, the hosts will be confident of extending their fine run by claiming victory against their out-of-sorts visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
