Preview: Maidstone United vs. Maidenhead United - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side will commence proceedings in 18th place, just one point above the relegation zone, while the visitors start the day in 12th.

Match preview

After gaining promotion from the National League South last season, Maidstone have found it tough to make the step up to the next level, and could fall to 22nd when the two teams directly below them play their games in hand.

A poor defensive record is largely to blame for a return of 18 points from 20 games, as the Stones have conceded 42 goals up to this point, the joint-second worst tally of any side in the league.

Hakan Hayrettin's side endured a particularly difficult run starting from the beginning of September, going 13 games without a win in all competitions, being knocked out of the FA Cup by Needham Market in the process.

While the Kent-based side have won just one of their last five matches, to look at it more positively, they have lost just one of these, and have shown intermittent signs of being a better defensive unit.

In three of their last four matches, Maidstone have kept clean sheets, including one in a 2-0 win at Scunthorpe United to end their winless streak, while last time out they had to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Oldham Athletic.

Maidenhead, unlike their opponents, have kept it quiet at the back in the vast majority of their games this season, conceding just 23 league goals, the same amount as third-placed Chesterfield, indicating their defensive acumen.

However, going forward, Alan Devonshire's side have not had the same sort of success, scoring just 19 goals in 20 league outings, hence they are averaging less than a goal a game, which is hampering their league position.

Still, the Magpies will be happy with their campaign so far, as they are only three points off the playoff places to compete for a place in the EFL, a level that they have never previously played at.

Current form will also be pleasing for Devonshire, with his side triumphing in their previous two fixtures, defeating Aldershot Town 2-1 on their travels, before following it up with a win by the same scoreline at home to Eastleigh last time out.

Emile Acquah and Reece Smith were on the scoresheet for Maidenhead, either side of a Charlie Carter effort, and they will now be looking to continue their playoff push, against a side that they have not lost to in their last five encounters.

Maidstone United National League form:

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D

Maidenhead United National League form:

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Maidenhead United form (all competitions):

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Team News

Maidstone striker Jack Barham may return to the starting lineup after being benched against Oldham last time out, partnering Roarie Deacon as part of a front two, with Josh Fawole dropping to the bench.

Midfielder Regan Booty has played every game for the Stones in the league this season, and he should keep his place in the centre of the pitch, accompanying Sam Corne, who has started the last two.

After two clean sheets on the spin, Jacob Mensah should keep his place at centre-back, with Jerome Binnom-Williams also set to feature in the Stones' backline.

Having won their last two league games, there is seemingly no reason for Devonshire to tinker with a winning formula in his Maidenhead side, with Emile Acquah set to lead the line again, after his goal last time out.

Will De Havilland has been a key figure in the centre of the Magpies defence, where he should partner Alan Massey, with Zico Asare on the right and Cole Kpekawa on the left of a back four.

Maidstone United possible starting lineup:

Sandford; Greenridge, Mensah, Binnom-Williams, Galvin, Hoyte; Booty, Corne, Odusanya; Deacon, Barham

Maidenhead United possible starting lineup:

Gyollai; Asare, De Havilland, Massey, Kpekawa; Clerima, Nathaniel-George, Ferdinand, Smith; Adams, Acquah

We say: Maidstone United 0-0 Maidenhead United

Given the fact that both sides struggle in front of goal, it will not be a surprise if they play out a bore draw on Saturday, in keeping with Madistone's result last time out. If anyone proves to be the winner, however, it is likely to be Maidenhead, who have a bit more quality.

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