Round 26 of the 2023-24 League Two season sees Crawley Town and Swindon Town square up against each other at the Broadfield Stadium on New Year's Day.
Both are currently level on points and in mid-table positions, but victory for either side could propel them towards the playoff zone.
Match preview
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Crawley's topsy-turvy performances continued as they followed a 2-0 win over Gillingham with a defeat by an identical scoreline against Milton Keynes Dons in their two outings since Christmas Day.
Despite having more of the ball, Scott Lindsey's men could not convert the chances that came their way, while also seeing Laurence Maguire sent off for a second bookable offence late on.
Consequently, the Red Devils dropped to 14th in the League Two table but are still only three points adrift of the final playoff place.
Lying in store next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who they have lost to in their last two meetings but have beaten in their last two matches at the Broadfield Stadium.
Having lost their last two home League Two matches, Lindsey's men are in desperate need of a win on Monday to boost their confidence and playoff chances.
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Swindon Town put an end to a run of four consecutive league defeats with a 2-1 victory against Forest Green Rovers last time out.
Daniel Kemp scored either side of Matty Taylor's leveller for the Rovers to complete his brace, but goalkeeper Lewis Ward was the ultimate hero for the Robins after saving a 99th-minute spot kick to secure the win.
With 33 points picked up from 25 matches so far, Michael Flynn's men sit 12th in the standings, level on points with Monday's opponents, and only three points off the final playoff spot.
Swindon Town have scored a combined eight goals in their last two matches against Crawley Town while conceding just once, but they have scored just once in their last two visits to the Broadfield Stadium.
Having lost their last two matches on the road, Flynn will hope his side can kickstart the new year by turning around their away form, which has seen them pick up just two wins on opposition territory this season.
Team News
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Maguire is ineligible to feature for the hosts as he serves his suspension for the red card against MK Dons.
Joy Mukena is expected to feature as Maguire's replacement, forming a three-man defence alongside Dion Conroy and Harry Ransom.
Ward has started in goal for Swindon since Boxing Day in place of the injured Murphy Mahoney, and is expected to continue between the sticks against Crawley.
Jake Young is second on the League Two top goalscorers chart and should start again in attack alongside Charlie Austin, while Kemp plays in the supporting role.
Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Addai; Mukena, Conroy, Ransom; Gordon, Wright, Lolos, Tsaroulla; Darcy, Campbell, Orsi-Dadomo
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Ward; Minturn, Khan, Brewitt; Hutton, Kinsella, Cain, Shade; Kemp; Young, Austin
We say: Crawley Town 2-1 Swindon Town
Clashes like this are often tight and intense, with both teams desperate not to lose ground as they are level on points. However, the recent trend in this fixture favours whichever team is at home and we think this trend will continue.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
