Preview: Altrincham vs. Southend United - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are enjoying a season of mid-table safety as the campaign reaches its end, whilst Southend are desperate to rescue their playoff dreams following a poor run of form.

Match preview

Altrincham find themselves at home this weekend following five-straight away matches spanning across the National League and the FA trophy, with the Robins collecting two wins in that period.

Both of those successes both at York City - one in the league and one in the FA Trophy - by identical 2-1 scorelines, meaning Phil Parkinson's side will be quite disappointed it is not another trip to the LNER Community Stadium this time around.

The Robins are currently 13th in the league standings having collected 49 points from 38 matches, meaning the remainder of the season will be spent attempting to earn a first top-half fifth-tier finish in over a decade.

Parkinson's men are also fighting on the FA Trophy semi-final front next month, so the conclusion to this campaign should not be a boring one for supporters of the Cheshire-based club.

Southend have endured a torrid March so far, losing five-straight National League matches this month, meaning their hopes of reaching the playoffs this season have taken a serious blow.

Four of those five losses have come against sides currently occupying top-seven berths, showing that the Shrimpers may not possess the credentials to compete with the fifth tier's best outfits.

United now sit 10th in the league table, eight points behind seventh-placed Boreham Wood - Kevin Maher's side will need to put together a miraculous run if they are to earn promotion to the Football League this year.

Southend's last win did come away from home however, with a 91st-minute goal from Cavanagh Miley stealing all three points off Torquay United at Plainmoor Ground in February.

Altrincham National League form:

W

D

L

L

W

L

Southend United National League form:

W

L

L

L

L

L

Team News

Altrincham have announced that defender Kyle Ferguson will remain at the club for the remainder of the season, with the Scotsman impressing during a five-game stint since joining from Harrogate Town in February.

The Robins will be without Danny Cashman, who was recalled by parent club Leicester City on Wednesday - the 22-year-old made four starts for the club.

Southend will remain without Noor Husin for the trip to Cheshire this Saturday, with the midfielder still struggling due to an ankle injury sustained this month.

Jake Hyde is in contention to make the matchday squad after playing a behind-closed-doors fixture this week - the player has been sidelined all month with a knock.

Altrincham possible starting lineup:

Byrne; E Jones, J Jones, Ferguson, Baines; Osborne, Marriott, Lundstram, Oyedele; Hugill, Hulme

Southend United possible starting lineup:

Arnold; Scott-Morriss, Ralph, Kensdale, Hobson; Miley, Bridge, Fonguck, Mooney; Cardwell, Murphy

We say: Altrincham 1-0 Southend United

Altrincham still have plenty to play for this season in the National League and the FA Trophy, so they will be highly motivated on Saturday to earn three points.

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