Two teams embroiled in a tense relegation dog-fight do battle at Victoria Road as Dagenham & Redbridge host Maidenhead.
The Daggers looked destined for mid-table obscurity, before off the pitch issues and a risky managerial appointment has seen them slip down the league at a rate of knots. Since the 0-2 win at basement boys Ebbsfleet on New Years Day, Dagenham have won just once, shocking Halifax 0-1. This means they have just one win in 15 games, a run that has seen them drop to 20th - above the relegation zone on goal difference.
At home, they have been poor taking just 23 points, scoring 35 goals and conceding 33 goals- for an average of 3.58 goals per game. Lewis Young is yet to win a home game in charge, with Dagenham's last win in front of their fans coming on the 14th of December. If they are to get a result, the performance of box-to-box, goalscoring midfielder Josh Rees will be crucial. The 31-year-old has been likened to Frank Lampard, scoring 11 goals this season and 15 last year.
Maidenhead are in grave danger of ending their eight year stay in the National League as they sit 23rd in the league. The poor form of their hosts will give them encouragement, with the Magpies knowing a win will see them leapfrog Dagenham. Alan Devonshire's side have won just two of their last ten games, coming away at Oldham (0-1) and Gateshead (0-2). Maidenhead enjoy taking scalps and may need to take another one here if they are to stand a chance of survival.
They rank fourth bottom for away points, taking just 17, with these games averaging three goals. The reverse fixture between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw with goals from James Golding and Josh Umerah.
The key players for the visitors come in attacking areas with midfield maestro Reece Smith and goalscorer Shawn McCoulsky. Smith (22) has been linked with a number of EFL teams, so a move could be close. McCoulsky (28) has jumped from team to team but looks settled in his fourth season at Maidenhead. He has scored 11 goals this season, accumulating the most xG in the National League.
Score Prediction: 1-1
Best Bet: Shawn McCoulsky to score @4.75
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