PREVIEW | Swindon Town v Grimsby Town

SWINDON TOWN welcome Grimsby Town to the County Ground this afternoon in a League Two fixture that could propel Swindon’s playoff hopes. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker previews the match.

Successful in their last outing at the County Ground saw Swindon Town record a first home victory of 2019 as they beat Forest Green Rovers in a highly charged encounter over a week ago. 

However, as the football season edges ever nearer to its curtain fall, a weekend clash against playoff chasing counterparts Grimsby could define the future for the remainder of both clubs current domestic campaigns. 

On the wrong side of a 2-1 away defeat at Blundell Park in the reverse fixture earlier in the season saw Swindon Town depart the seaside town having endured a fourth straight defeat against Grimsby. 

But with a new look side that is bursting at the seams to put on a show, Swindon Town could be set to banish their winless woes against the coastal travellers this afternoon.

A well-earned victory in their last fixture saw Swindon dominate proceedings against Forest Green Rovers at the County Ground to make it four wins since the turn of the year for Richie Wellens’ side. And with a run of good form behind them, the manager will be hoping his side can replicate recent successes later today. 

Similar good fortunes for the visitors see Grimsby travel to the South-West on the back of four straight league victories, with a one-nil win over Cheltenham in their last outing a measurement of the clubs playoff ambitions. 

Separated by goal difference alone see’s Swindon sitting two positions below Grimsby in the League Two standings with Town resting on 46 points in 14th place. 

And whilst a win would see STFC leapfrog today’s opponents, Swindon must be wary of the threat posed by Michael Jolley’s side. 

Wes Thomas provides Grimsby’s biggest attacking threat having scored 11 goals this season last scoring in their recent victory over Cheltenham. But despite having one of the leagues most lethal finishers, a robust defence that has conceded just once in their last four matches will provide Swindon’s newest attacking signings with their biggest test yet. 

Theo Robinson looks set to continue in the number nine position for Swindon after scoring on his home debut last time out, whilst Kaiyne Woolery will seek to continue his goalscoring form after his superb solo goal against Forest Green Rovers last time out at the County Ground. Michael Doughty will be crucial Town’s success and his playmaking abilities must be at their best to unlock Grimsby’s sturdy back line. 

Injury news for the visitors sees club captain John Welsh remain unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a recent hamstring strain, as midfielder Elliot Whitehouse is also forced to watch from the sidelines whilst rehabilitation from an ACL injury continues. Swindon remains without Olly Lancashire through injury but looks set to enter today’s match with an almost full strength side. 

Grimsby manager Michael Jolley stated he expects an ‘interesting’ game against Swindon in his pre-match press conference and a close game is certainly to be expected this afternoon. Both sides need a victory to keep the pressure on those around them in the league, and Swindon fans will be hoping to see their team continue their impressive run of form. 

Prediction: 2-1