Preview: Crawley Town vs. Swindon Town - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts arrive off the back of a draw with Gillingham, while the visitors make the trip with a point to prove following a defeat against Crewe Alexandra last time out.

Match preview

Crawley have been disappointing in League Two so far, sitting four points above the relegation slots on 18 points with 19 matches played.

Nevertheless, there is excitement in the air as new manager Matthew Etherington gets set for his first match in charge of The Red Devils this weekend, following his appointment last Sunday.

Simon Davies will come in as his assistant manager, as they look to arrest a slump of just one victory in their last seven fixtures in all competitions.

Last time out, Crawley recorded a goalless draw at home to Gillingham in a match that produced few chances for either side, something they will look to improve against Swindon.

Should Etherington secure three points in his debut bow, Crawley could leapfrog Newport County into 18th position if other results go their way.

On the other hand, Swindon travel to West Sussex in a positive state of mind as they eye a push for the playoffs under Scott Lindsey.

The Robins lie seventh in the league standings and will be looking to put some distance between themselves and other promotion contenders with a triumph over Crawley.

In their most recent outing, Swindon were on the end of a surprising 1-0 defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra, courtesy of a penalty from Dan Agyei which was a surprise blow for Lindsey and his side.

Swindon are without a win in three matches across all competitions, adding extra significance to their trip to face Crawley as they aim to keep hold of their playoff position.

With a win this weekend, Swindon could move up to as high as fourth in the League Two ranks, depending on results elsewhere.

Crawley Town League Two form:

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D

D

W

L

D

Crawley Town form (all competitions):

D

L

L

W

L

D

Swindon Town League Two form:

W

W

D

W

D

L

Swindon Town form (all competitions):

W

D

W

L

D

L

Team News

Crawley could look to make one or two changes from the draw against Gillingham, with an emphasis on chance creation likely to be high on the list of new boss Matthew Etherington.

Loanee Ellery Balcombe will likely start between the sticks, while their back four could remain unchanged owing to a solid defensive display against Gillingham last time out.

Teddy Jenks may move aside for James Tilley in midfield, while Aramide Oteh might be in line for an opportunity to start in attack in place of Dominic Telford.

For the visitors, both Louis Reed and Frazer Blake-Tracy are at risk of suspension should they receive a booking during the match against Crawley.

Youngster Marcel Lavinier could be preferred to Ciaran Brennan in defence, while Tomi Adeloye may be entrusted to lead the line alongside Luke Jephcott as Swindon seek to gain the advantage on Saturday.

Crawley Town possible starting lineup:

Balcombe; Francomb, Lynch, Craig, Tsaroulla; Tilley, Powell, Hessenthaler; Nichols; Nadesan, Oteh

Swindon Town possible starting lineup:

Brynn; Lavinier, Harries, Blake-Tracy; Hutton, Gladwin, Khan, Darcy, Iandolo; Jephcott, Adeloye

We say: Crawley Town 1-2 Swindon Town

In a match that could hold significance at both ends of the table, we expect an open affair between two sides with a point to prove this weekend.

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