Cheltenham Town host Forest Green Rovers at Whaddon Road on Saturday afternoon in the hope of piling more misery on Forest Green Rovers, following their loss to relegation-threatened Barnet last time out at the Hive.
The Green Devils need results desperately as they currently sit just four points above the relegation zone, whereas a win for the Robins would secure their League Two status with just three games to spare.
So, where will Saturday’s game be won and lost?
Midfield battle could shape game…
In the game earlier this season, there appeared to be a lack of attacking flair from both sides as it finished 1-1 at the New Lawn as Mohamed Eisa cancelled out Christian Doidge’s early strike. It is set to be an enthralling encounter at Whaddon Road this Saturday afternoon.
If Cheltenham win the midfield battle, and Harry Pell starts pulling the strings in midfield, it could be key for the Robins winning this encounter, and it may spell danger for the Forest Green Rovers backline, who have the second worst defensive record in Sky Bet League Two.
Mohamed Eisa Vs Christian Doidge, which striker will come out on top?
The two top strikers collide at Whaddon Road on Saturday afternoon. Mohamed Eisa has been nothing short of sensational this season, flourishing in his first season in the Football League – and he has already broken the record for scoring the most goals in a season for the Robins.
The Sudanese striker has 20 goals to his name so far, and there will be no better place than to add to his tally than against their Gloucestershire rivals. To ensure they stay up in League Two this season, Christian Doidge needs to stay fit.
The Welshman has 16 goals over the course of the season, and although he hasn’t scored in three, he will be looking to outshine Eisa in the Gloucestershire Derby.
Whoever shows the most grit and determination…
It will be expected that it will be a scrappy affair between Cheltenham and Forest Green, but it will be all about who shows the most desire to win the game on Saturday. Cheltenham have shown that they have real firepower, and have mixed the goals up in recent weeks.
The Robins are the highest scorers in the bottom half of Sky Bet League Two this season, having netted on 62 occasions so far this season. The Green Devils, on the other hand, have conceded 70 goals – the second most in the division.
However, it will be about who wants it the most and it is definitely a more important game for the visitors, with Mark Cooper’s side lingering just above the relegation zone.
CHECK OUT THE PREVIEW AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S EL CLASICO HERE…
