Maidenhead United will have the chance to increase their five-point gap to the National League relegation zone when they play host to Southend United on Tuesday.

The visitors, meanwhile, are currently sat in the final playoff position, and they can move up to sixth place with a victory.

Match preview

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After ending a seven-game winless league run with a narrow 2-1 win over York City, Maidenhead had the chance to claim consecutive victories when they faced Bromley on Saturday.

As it proved, they had to settle for a point after Bromley's Louis Dennis scored seven minutes from time to cancel out Emile Acquah's opener.

Following two away fixtures, Alan Devonshire's will return to York Road, where they are winless in three National League matches.

They have at least proven to be a tough team to beat in recent home games, losing only one of their previous five home matches in the league, with that sole defeat taking place against leaders Notts County.

Although Maidenhead lost 2-0 away to Southend earlier this season, they claimed a 2-1 victory over the Shrimps in last season's home meeting.

Meanwhile, Southend will be looking to record a second straight win after they beat York City 2-0 on Saturday thanks to Jack Bridge's second-half brace.

The result moved the Shrimps into the playoff positions on goal difference, but they are level on 41 points with three other sides - Bromley, Eastleigh and Weadlstone - who all sit just outside the top seven.

After conceding 24 four goals in 27 league games this season, Southend currently hold the joint-best defensive record in the National League, and they will need to remain resolute if they are to finish in the playoffs this season.

With all of their last four matches in all competitions taking place at home, Kevin Maher's side will play their first away game since New Year's Day when they face Maidenhead in midweek.

After failing to win any of their last three away games, Southend will be looking to return to winning ways on their travels.

Team News

After joining on loan from Wycombe, Adam Leathers made his Maidenhead debut against Bromley, and he is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest.

Acquah scored his ninth league goal of the season at the weekend, and the forward will be looking to add to his tally when leads the line against Southend.

As for the visitors, Rhys Murphy made his first start since January 2022 on Saturday after recently returning from injury, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench on Tuesday as Southend manage his workload.

After dropping out of the side for the 2-0 victory over York, Callum Powell could replace Murphy in the Southend frontline.

Maidenhead United possible starting lineup:
Andre; Azare, De Havilland, Kpekawa, Beckwith; Ferdinand, Leathers, Adams; Nathaniel-George, Smith, Acquah

Southend United possible starting lineup:
Noukeu; Scott-Morriss, Lopata, Kensdale, Hobson, Ralph; Miley, Husin, Bridge; Cardwell, Powell

We say: Maidenhead United 1-2 Southend United

Southend have won two of their last three league games, and after beating Maidenhead 2-0 earlier this season, we think that they will complete a league double over their opponents by claiming a narrow victory.

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