Boreham Wood play host to Eastleigh on Wednesday evening looking for the win that will take them closer to the National League playoff spots.
At a time when the home side occupy 15th position in the standings, Eastleigh are 12th, four points above their next opponents.
Match preview
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On the back of Wrexham and Notts County earning promotion last season, Boreham Wood would have expected far more from their 2023-24 campaign than sitting in the bottom of the table.
However, there have been signs that Luke Garrard's side can still be a factor in the promotion race having recently collected nine points from six games.
Although just two wins have been posted during that period, Boreham Wood have managed to remain with nine points of seventh spot ahead of facing a team above them in the table.
On Saturday, Garrard watched his side come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw away at second-placed Bromley, a result that will only boost confidence going forward.
You also have to go back to October 7 for Boreham Wood's last defeat at Meadow Park, with a total of three wins and four draws being posted in all competitions since that loss to Chesterfield.
Meanwhile, Eastleigh have dropped back towards Boreham Wood in recent games, accumulating just one point from their last three National League fixtures.
That came from a 4-4 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge, with that dramatic encounter being followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to Southend United.
Saturday's game with Oldham Athletic was postponed, handing Richard Hill an extended period to work with his side on the training pitch and regroup ahead of trying to stay in contention for the playoffs, as well as on the back of their FA Cup exit to Newport County.
Nevertheless, Eastleigh's away form has not matched their results at home this campaign, as they have prevailed just three times on their travels and have lost on seven occasions in 13 such fixtures.
Team News
With Kwesi Appiah having come off the substitutes' bench to score the equaliser at Bromley, Garrard may consider a change in attack.
However, Tyrone Marsh and Lee Ndlovu are most likely to retain their places in the side with Appiah having only recently returned from a long-term injury.
Having again pushed opponents who were from a league above, Hill may be prepared to name the same Eastleigh XI from the Newport game.
Ryan Clampin and Jayden Harris are alternatives at left wing-back and in central midfield respectively, but the week-long gap should see changes kept to a minimum.
Boreham Wood possible starting lineup:
Ashmore; Ilesanmi, Bush, Sass-Davies; Staunton, Payne, Balanta, Robinson, Sousa; Marsh, Ndlovu
Eastleigh possible starting lineup:
McDonnell; Croll, Panter, Francillette; Boldewijn, Atangana, Taylor, Maguire, Clements; Quigley, McCallum
We say: Boreham Wood 3-1 Eastleigh
With this being a potentially-pivotal game for both sides, we expect some nerves to be on show. Nevertheless, Boreham Wood are starting to build a head of steam and that could prove decisive, particularly when they have home advantage.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
