Preview: Salford City vs. Morecambe - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors require points for a different purpose though as they currently sit just outside of the playoff positions.

Match preview

Salford's difficult season continued in midweek when they were held to a 2-2 draw against Stockport County, which will have been a frustrating evening for Karl Robinson.

While taking a point from the second-placed outfit is a positive in the grand scheme of things, the fact that the Ammies were two goals up at the break meant that this was a big opportunity missed.

The draw also extended Salford's run without a win to five games, which is something that Robinson will be eager to change immediately to help push them away from the relegation zone.

The Ammies are currently nine points above the bottom two, but considering three teams below them all have games in hand there is very little room for error at the moment.

Performances at the back have been the biggest sticking point for Salford so far, and given that no team in the division has conceded more it is an obvious area for improvement.

However, that is something that Morecambe will be keen to exploit for their own gain, especially as they are pushing to find themselves a place in the playoffs this season.

The Shrimps are just outside of the top seven at the moment, but a victory this weekend could change that depending on other results, although that would go down to goal difference.

However, it was Morecambe's own defensive frailties that were the problem in midweek as they were defeated by Newport County in an eight-goal thriller.

While Gwion Edwards bagged a brace and Chris Stokes also found the back of the net, Ged Brannan's men ended up falling short 5-3 despite getting the game to 3-3 in the 74th minute.

Morecambe were able to keep a clean sheet against Salford when the two teams met earlier this season though, winning the game 1-0, which is a result they would welcome after two defeats in a row.

Salford City League Two form:

W

L

D

L

L

D

Morecambe League Two form:

L

D

W

W

L

L

Team News

Declan John was able to return from illness to start in midweek for Salford, and he could retain his place in the team for this weekend after replacing Connor McLennan.

Robinson does still have several players unavailable though as Liam Shephard, Stevie Mallan, Ossama Ashley and Kelly Nmai are all currently on the shelf due to injury.

Edwards is sure to retain his place in the Shrimps team after scoring for the first time in Morecambe colors in midweek as he continues to provide width and attacking support to Gerard Garner, who should operate as the lone striker.

The visitors will be without JJ McKiernan, Stuart Moore, Donald Love and Brandon Barker for this weekend, while Farrend Rawson has joined them in the treatment room, although he is absence is expected to be shorter than the rest.

Salford City possible starting lineup:

Cairns; John, Vassell, Tilt, Garbutt; Watt, Watson; Luamba, Hendry, McAleny; Smith

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Mair; Harrack, Stokes, Bedeau, Tutonda; Songo'o, Khumbeni, Edwards, Adams, Slew; Garner

We say: Salford City 0-3 Morecambe

Salford City might have the home advantage this weekend, but that does not make them the favorites, and their poor run of form could continue here.

The defensive issues that the Ammies have dealt with throughout the season is likely to be their downfall in this one, which Morecambe will attempt to exploit.

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