Forest Green Rovers will be looking to move closer to climbing out of the League One drop zone on Saturday when they take on Cheltenham Town at the Bolt New Lawn Stadium.

The hosts come into this one off the back of a victory over Cambridge United, while the visitors travel to Nailsworth following a triumph over Charlton.

Match preview

Forest Green have endured a difficult first part of the 2022-23 campaign and sit 21st in the League One table, with 17 points from 20 matches under Ian Burchnall.

Since being promoted from League Two last year they have struggled at the back, which has culminated in the Green having the second-worst defensive record in the division, conceding 39 goals.

Unsurprisingly, their ability to pick up results has suffered due to this, with Forest Green having won just four league matches this season.

Nevertheless, goals from Josh March and Connor Wickham gifted Forest Green a dramatic 2-1 win over relegation rivals Cambridge, moving them to within three points of exiting the demotion slots.

With a victory this weekend against Cheltenham, Forest Green could move level on points with Cambridge if other results fall their way, however they are unlikely to move out of the relegation zone due to their inferior goal difference.

On the other hand, Cheltenham make the trip to face Forest Green unbeaten in four matches in all competitions with Wade Elliott in charge at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.

Cheltenham occupy 16th in the League One table, having amassed 25 points from 19 fixtures fulfilled and sitting eight points clear of Forest Green in the relegation zone.

In their most recent outing, Alfie May netted in the 84th minute to record an impressive 1-0 triumph away to a troubled Charlton Athletic outfit at The Valley.

Cheltenham also won the last encounter between themselves and Forest Green last month 4-3 on penalties in the EFL Trophy, edging out their opponents following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

This weekend, Elliott will hope to repeat the trick as Cheltenham look to pull further away from the drop zone with a victory over Forest Green.

Team News

Forest Green are unlikely to make wholesale changes heading into the Cheltenham clash, owing to their strong showing against Cambridge last time out.

Nevertheless, Corey O'Keeffe is suspended for the visit of Cheltenham, which may pave the way for Sean Robertson to come in as an enforced change.

Connor Wickham could be given an opportunity to lead the line, while Baily Cargill and Ben Stevenson are at risk of suspension if they receive a booking during this match.

For the visitors, they are also expected to name a strong starting side owing to their commendable exploits against Charlton in the 1-0 triumph.

Luke Southwood will continue in goal, while their back three of Sean Long, Caleb Taylor and Lewis Freestone will remain unchanged forming the rearguard.

Ryan Jackson could displace Ryan Broom at wing-back, while Jackson, Dan N'Lundulu and Luke Southwood are all at risk of suspension if they are booked during this encounter.

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; Casey, Moore-Taylor, Cargill; Robertson, Stevenson, McGeouch, Boyes; Peart-Harris; Wickham, March

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Southwood; Long, Taylor, Freestone; Jackson, Sercombe, Bonds, Williams; Olayinka; May, N'Lundulu

We say: Forest Green Rovers 1-1 Cheltenham Town

In a match with permutations in the lower half of the table, we expect both sides to compete vigorously to gain another three points in League One.

Nevertheless, there will be no separating the sides on the day, culminating in a point apiece for both Forest Green and Cheltenham.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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