Fleetwoodvs.Cheltenham

The Robins also have two games in hand on their hosts, but both teams are stuck inside the drop zone as Easter approaches.

Match preview

Five points from safety with just seven matches remaining, Fleetwood Town cannot afford to make many more slip-ups following the international break, which they entered with a 1-1 home draw against Charlton Athletic.

Though Ryan Graydon's late leveller rescued a point - and extended the Fylde Coast club's unbeaten streak to six games - they remain deep in trouble at the wrong end of League One.

After five draws from six, Fleetwood will now be looking to go seven undefeated for the first time since September 2022, but more precious wins are required if they are to beat the drop.

Head coach Charlie Adam has overseen an upturn in recent weeks, though the odds are still stacked against his team surviving demotion to England's fourth tier, with a grim home record accounting for much of their woes.

Only rock-bottom Carlisle United have picked up fewer points on home turf this season: Fleetwood's tally stands at four wins from 20 League One fixtures at Highbury Stadium.

Ahead of Friday's crucial contest, the Cod Army have also won just one of their last four league meetings with Cheltenham Town - though that sole success did come in October's reverse fixture, when Junior Quitirna and Jack Marriott found the target.

Before international football intervened, Cheltenham played out a goalless draw against promotion contenders Barnsley, as their winless streak stretched to six matches.

Sitting 22nd in League One, four points adrift of safety, the Robins still have at least one game in hand on their fellow relegation rivals, so manager Darrell Clarke will believe he can pull off a great escape in the weeks ahead.

After enduring a dismal start to the season, when they accrued just one point from their first 11 fixtures, Cheltenham have since hauled themselves back into contention - but their recent dip in form could prove costly.

Before hosting Exeter City on Monday, the Gloucestershire club must first face a high-stakes clash with opponents sitting just one point below them in the standings.

Heading into the run-in, Clarke's side can all but cut Fleetwood loose with victory on Friday afternoon, but a record of just three wins in 19 away games suggests that may be easier said than done.

Fleetwood Town League One form:

D

D

W

D

D

D

Cheltenham Town League One form:

D

L

D

L

L

D

Team News

After almost a fortnight out of action, Fleetwood Town now face two games in four days - a visit to Oxford United is on the schedule for Monday - but squad rotation is not likely to be part of Charlie Adam's plans.

Therefore, nine-goal top scorer Jayden Stockley should start up front, supported by Irish forward Promise Omochere; elsewhere, Danny Mayor may come into contention after being dropped to the bench against Charlton, while Ryan Graydon will hope his late equaliser earns him promotion to the starting XI.

In the absence of a prolific striker, Liam Sercombe is Cheltenham's leading scorer this term and is expected to feature in the visitors' midfield.

Matty Taylor struck four times in his first eight games for the club before succumbing to injury; Joe Nuttall, Aidan Keena and George Lloyd have carried the can in his absence, while Rob Street is sidelined for the rest of the season.

Darrell Clarke is set to send his team out in a 3-5-2 formation, with veteran defender Curtis Davies playing a prominent role at the heart of the back three.

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:

Lynch; Sarpong-Wiredu, Holgate, Heneghan; Broom, Kilkenny, Lawal, Graydon, Patterson; Omochere, Stockley

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Southwood; Smith, Davies, Bradbury; Long, Kinsella, Pett, Sercombe, Ferry; Keena, Nuttall

We say: Fleetwood Town 1-0 Cheltenham Town

Previews by email