Preview: Eastleigh vs. Boreham Wood - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have lost their last three outings, while the visitors are looking to win their first away game in the league since October 8.

Match preview

Eastleigh were left empty handed once again last Saturday, as they suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Altrincham when the sides met at Moss Lane.

The hosts opened the scoring when Elliot Newby was on hand to tap home from close range in the 13th minute, and the Robins doubled their lead with 13 minutes left on the clock when Ryan Colclough smashed a low driven effort into the back of the net.

Danny Whitehall grabbed a consolation for the Spitfires but that result means that Lee Bradbury's side have lost their last three games since beating Maidstone United 5-2 on November 8.

Eastleigh have picked up eight wins, four draws and nine losses in their 21 games so far this season, and they currently sit in 12th position in the table, just two points off the playoff places.

A win here could see them move into the top seven, should other results go their way.

Meanwhile, Boreham Wood continued their FA Cup exploits by beating League One side Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium last Sunday, to reach the third round for the third year running.

Goals from defenders Will Evans and David Stephens ensured Boreham Wood took control of proceedings to set up a home tie with Accrington Stanley in the next round.

Luke Garrard will be hoping his side bring that cup form into this game, as they have picked up just one point from their previous three league outings.

In fact, in their last eight games, the Wood have won just twice, with both of these victories coming in the FA Cup, defeating Eastleigh in the first round, before toppling Bristol Rovers last weekend.

Goals do not seem to be an issue in cup games, but they have been hard to come by in the league recently, as Garrard's men have netted just once in their last four matches, in a 1-1 home draw against York City.

The same woes in front of goal were on display in a 1-0 defeat against Halifax Town last time out in the league, and that result leaves Garrard's men two points adrift of the playoff spots in 11th place.

Eastleigh National League form:

L

W

W

L

L

L

Eastleigh form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

L

L

Boreham Wood National League form:

D

D

L

D

L

L

Boreham Wood form (all competitions):

L

W

D

L

L

W

Team News

Danny Whitehall is the club's top scorer this season, and he scored his seventh goal of the campaign for the Spitfires last time out against Altrincham, so he looks likely to retain his place up front here.

Ryan Hill was dropped to the bench last weekend, after failing to score in nine consecutive matches across all competitions, so Oscar Rutherford could lead the line with Whitehall.

As for the visitors, David Stephens returned to the side against Bristol Rovers, while Tyrone Marsh, who has scored five goals in the National League, could return to the starting XI here after he was brought off the bench last Sunday.

George Broadbent put in a stellar performance last weekend against Joey Barton's side, so he looks set to retain his place in the middle of the park.

Eastleigh possible starting lineup:

McDonnell; Oyenuga, Maghoma, Langston, Kelly; McKiernan, Martin, Cisse, Carter; Rutherford, Whitehall

Boreham Wood possible starting lineup:

Ashmore; Coxe, Evans, Fyfield, Stephens, Ilesanmi; Brunt, Broadbent, Payne; Marsh, Ndlovu

We say: Eastleigh 1-2 Boreham Wood

Boreham Wood beat Eastleigh comfortably when the sides last met in the FA Cup first round, and we think there will be a similar outcome here.

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