19th December – Forest Green aim to knock Robins off their perch in semi-local derby

League Two leaders Swindon and talisman Eoin Doyle travel to The New Lawn and an out-of-form Forest Green Rovers.

And after losing their previous three, the hosts and manager Mark Cooper will be desperate to get one over Richie Wellens’ men.

Cooper, who was manager of the Robins from 2013-15, has guided the Vegan side from the National League to promotion contenders in League Two, losing out in the Playoff Semi-Finals last season.

His side have continued their consistency into this season but not in completely the same vain – sitting in sixth in England’s fourth tier.

His opposite number Richie Wellens has considerably improved his side too.

After the disasters of David Flitcroft and Phil Brown at the helm, the young blood and enthusiasm of Wellens – as well as stunning recruitment – has seen the Wiltshire outfit rise from the Ashes to lead League Two by three points.

The acquisitions of Eoin Doyle and Jerry Yates in the attacking third have been excellent, but one man in midfield, Anthony Grant of Shrewsbury, has impressed for the County Ground men.

Grant, 32, began his career at Chelsea, before spending the rest of his career to date in the second, third and fourth tiers. Grant is most adept at controlling and intercepting the midfield, much akin to a football league Fabinho. Many believe if Town secure the three signatures of these loanees in January, they will return to the promised land of…League One.

Anticlimactic, but a step in the right direction.

Team news

The visitors are set to recall Jordan Lyden after missing Saturday’s win over Oldham. Keshi Anderson, Lloyd Isgrove and several others are set to feature in what could be Town’s seventh win on the spin.

Dion Conroy remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Forest Green could start forward Elliott Frear who returned from a six-week injury lay-off at Northampton with a 33-minute cameo from the bench.

Joseph Mills should retain his place in defence, although Farrend Rawson is pushing for a recall after dropping to the bench as an unused substitute at Sixfields.

Head-to-head

Swindon Wins – 4

Draws – 1

Forest Green – 2

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