Two teams in the bottom half of the National League table will meet this weekend as Maidstone United look to push themselves further away from the relegation zone.
Right now the hosts sit directly above the bottom four, but they will face a stern test as Altrincham are undefeated in their past four matches.
Match preview
Maidstone United have had a difficult 2022-23 campaign so far, having only won five of their opening 22 fixtures in the National League.
This has left the club 20th in the table, and with just three points separating them and Torquay United a defeat could potentially place them in the relegation zone.
Maidstone had put together a three-match undefeated run heading into last weekend, but that positive period was brought to a screeching halt against Woking.
Even though Sam Corne gave his team the lead, the Stones were not able to hang onto that as three goals in the second half led to a defeat.
Maidstone will have some confidence playing in front of their own fans this weekend though, especially since they have lost just three times at Gallagher Stadium this season.
Their strong home form will meet the poor away run that Altrincham have been having, as the visitors have only won a single match on the road to this point.
That is something that Phil Parkinson will want to change immediately for the busy winter period as the experienced manager looks to guide them away from their current position.
Altrincham might be above their opponents in the league right now, but they are still in the bottom half of the table and only eight points above the relegation zone themselves.
However, the Robins are enjoying a good spell of form right now as they have not lost in their previous four matches, which has brought some much-needed momentum.
Their most recent outing saw them share the points with Southend United as Altrincham fought back from behind twice with goals from Ryan Colclough and Elliot Newby getting on the scoresheet.
Team News
Despite an injury scare in the previous game forcing Joe Ellul to be replaced, the veteran defender was able to play last weekend and is expected to feature once again this Saturday.
Josh Fawole has been a regular throughout the season for Maidstone, and he could be another option for the team off the bench as he was against Woking.
For the visitors, Newby is expected to retain his place in the team after he scored his fourth goal of the season last Saturday.
However, one player that was missing for the Robins was Ross Barrows, as he is dealing with an ankle injury that is keeping him on the sidelines right now.
Maidstone United possible starting lineup:
Sandford; Lyons-Foster, Ellul, Booty, Barham; Corne, Odusanya, Pattison, Binnom-Williams; Greenidge, Deacon
Altrincham possible starting lineup:
Byrne; Baines, Mullarkey, J. Jones, E. Jones; Conn-Clarke, Marriott, Lundstram, Newby; Jennings, Colclough
We say: Maidstone United 1-2 Altrincham
This is a game that both teams will be desperate to win due to their league positions, and facing opponents that are also struggling could be the time to do that.
While Maidstone United have the home advantage, it is likely going to be the visitors that just edge this one due to the run of form they are currently enjoying.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
