Gateshead are set to welcome Eastleigh to their home ground in a crucial English National League encounter. Both clubs will be eager to turn around their recent fortunes and claim vital points in their respective league campaigns.
Recent form paints a challenging picture for Gateshead, who are currently navigating an eight-match winless spell. Despite this difficult run, the team managed to find the back of the net in their last fixture, offering a small beacon of optimism. Eastleigh are also experiencing a lack of success in securing victories, having gone five games without a win. Their recent attacking struggles are particularly concerning, with the side failing to score in their last two outings.
Historically, Gateshead have enjoyed a dominant record against Eastleigh in their recent head-to-head meetings. Over the past three seasons, the two teams have faced each other seven times, with Gateshead remaining undefeated. Their tally includes four wins and three draws, with Gateshead significantly outscoring Eastleigh, netting 18 goals to Eastleigh’s six. Last season, Gateshead secured a 2-1 victory on home soil, although the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. This season’s encounter saw Gateshead emerge victorious with a 2-0 away win.
In the league standings, Eastleigh are positioned 17th, accumulating 23 points from their 21 matches played. Their record comprises six wins, five draws, and ten losses, with a goal difference of -8. Gateshead find themselves in a more precarious situation, occupying 22nd place with 19 points from their 21 games. Their season record shows five wins, four draws, and twelve losses, resulting in a goal difference of -23.
A victory for Gateshead could provide a significant uplift in morale and potentially spark a climb up the table, building on their recent ability to score. Conversely, a defeat would further solidify their position within the relegation zone. For Eastleigh, a win is paramount to arrest their winless streak and create some distance from the clubs at the foot of the table. A draw might offer a marginal positive shift, but a loss would undoubtedly intensify the pressure on the squad and its management.