Wrexham were involved in one of only two National League matches to avoid postponement on Saturday, strengthening their promotion charge with a dramatic 3-2 victory at Maidstone United.
The high-flying Red Dragons travel to Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday, with relegation-threatened Gateshead sitting 40 points below Wrexham in the table.
Match preview
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Gateshead gained promotion from the National League North last year, losing just six of their 42 games en route to the title, but they have struggled to adapt to the step up, winning only four of their 25 league encounters this season.
Still, the Heed remain two points from safety with plenty of time to turn things around, while Torquay United, Maidstone and Scunthorpe United are languishing below.
It is worth pointing out that Gateshead have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, and they come into Tuesday's clash on a five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
After thrashing Gloucester City 5-1 in the FA Trophy, Mike Williamson's side took five points from three league outings before beating Oldham Athletic 3-1 last time out, booking their spot in the last 16 of the FA Trophy.
The bad news for Gateshead is that they have the second-worst home record in the National League, having won just two of their 12 matches on home soil, and the upcoming visit of promotion-chasing Wrexham is not likely to improve that record.
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When Paul Mullin gave Wrexham a 2-0 lead against Maidstone on Saturday, Phil Parkinson's men appeared to be in cruise control, but Jack Barham's quick-fire brace saw the hosts equalise late in the second half.
However, there was still time for Aaron Hayden to snatch the winning goal for the Red Dragons, with the centre-back finding the net for the 12th time this season, making him the club's joint-second highest scorer in 2022-23.
Not only have Wrexham won their last five National League games, but they have avoided defeat in each of their previous 14, racking up 11 victories along the way.
When you look at the bigger picture, Parkinson's side have lost just two of their 26 league outings this term, recording 19 wins and five draws, while first-placed Notts County – who sit level with Wrexham on 62 points – have suffered a solitary defeat all season.
The Red Dragons came agonisingly close to clinching the one and only automatic promotion spot in the National League last year, finishing second to Stockport County before losing in the playoffs, so they will be eager to go one better this time around.
Team News
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Filip Marschall has returned to Gateshead for a second loan spell, and the 19-year-old could replace James Montgomery between the sticks on Tuesday.
With six goals to his name, Adam Campbell is Gateshead's top scorer this season, so Williamson will be desperate for his other attackers to match Campbell's output.
By contrast, Mullin has netted 19 goals in 26 league games for Wrexham this term, while Ollie Palmer has bagged 12 goals and one assist, highlighting the Red Dragons' strength in attack.
Jordan Davies remains sidelined due to a knee injury, meaning he will not offer protection to goalkeeper Mark Howard, who has kept 10 clean sheets in 26 league outings this season.
Gateshead possible starting lineup:
Marschall; Richardson, Bailey, Storey, Pye; Conteh, Tinkler, Ward, Olley; Campbell, Harris
Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Howard; Tozer, Hayden, Tunnicliffe; Forde, O'Connor, Young, McFadzean; Lee, Mullin, Dalby
We say: Gateshead 1-3 Wrexham
Given the 40-point gulf between title-chasing Wrexham and struggling Gateshead in the National League table, the visitors look set to register a straightforward victory on Tuesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Morris
