In a match that could have ramifications for both the National League's chase for promotion and relegation battle, Gateshead are set to host Braintree Town at Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday.
The Tynesiders will be desperate to get back on track after a lengthy winless run, while the Iron have been in strong form over recent weeks but will be looking to return to winning ways after a defeat last time out.
Match preview
Carl Magnay's Gateshead have not taken maximum points for almost a month and are currently on a five-game streak without a win in the National League.
On Saturday, the Tynesiders followed up their 3-1 loss at the hands of Aldershot Town with a 2-0 defeat on their own turf against Maidenhead United, meaning that they have lost three matches on the bounce heading into their midweek clash.
With 13 points dropped since Feburary 22, Magnay's side find themselves sixth in the table on 60 points, five above eighth-placed Altrincham, the first team outside of the playoff spots.
The hosts' early-season form has kept them in contention for promotion to League Two at the end of the campaign and they will need to stabilise if they are to stay the course and make the playoffs, but with just one win at the Gateshead National Stadium across all competitions in 2025, they may not find that solidity on Tuesday.
Should Gateshead manage to earn an unlikely three points, they could leapfrog both Halifax Town and Oldham Athletic and move up to fourth, though defeat may put them under significant pressure by allowing Altrincham to close the gap to only two points.
Meanwhile, Steve Pitt's Braintree have lost just one of their last six matches across all competitions, winning three and drawing two in a run of form that defies their league position.
That being said, the Irons did taste defeat in their most recent game, blanking in a 1-0 loss against 23rd-placed relegation-contenders Boston United.
That result left Pitt's men 17th in the National League with 42 points, and though they have put Woking, Maidenhead and Dagenham and Redbridge between themselves and the drop zone, they are only six points in front of 21st-placed Wealdstone.
However, the visitors boast a travelling record that contrasts starkly with their opponents' home form, and having lost just once on the road in 2025, they will be confident of securing another positive result in midweek to keep them ahead of their rivals.
Victory on Tuesday could lift Braintree into 13th and above Aldershot, and may even create a more comfortable nine-point cushion to the threat of demotion should results elsewhere prove favourable.
Team News
Gateshead will welcome centre-back Ryan Bartley back into the XI in midweek after he served a suspension in the match against Maidenhead.
As a result, expect Jean Belehouan to make way and for Bartley to line up alongside Branden Horton and Daniel Jones in front of goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks.
As for Braintree, attackers Jermaine Francis and Kyrell Lisbie both scored in their sides' last two wins, and they will be keen to fire the team back to winning ways at Gateshead.
In midfield, the duo of Matt Robinson and Marley Marshall should give the visitors some stability, while full-backs George Langston and Ryan Clampin provide width.
Gateshead possible starting lineup:
Brooks; Bartley, Jones, Horton; Hannant, Booty, Humbles, Worman; Malcolm, Roles; Sellars-Fleming
Braintree Town possible starting lineup:
Gray; Langston, Clarke, Annesley, Clampin; Robinson, Marshall; Blackwell, Francis, Lisbie; Akinde
We say: Gateshead 1-2 Braintree Town
Gateshead may be the favourites at first glance given their league position, but their form over recent weeks has been poor and all of the momentum appears to be with Braintree ahead of this clash.
The Tynesiders have also been particularly struggling at home, while the Irons have been strong on the road, so expect the visitors to take all three points on Tuesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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