Cheltenham v L. Orient preview

Last updated: 23rd March 2008

JJ Melligan Leyton Orient

Melligan: Suspended

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Martin Ling will have to make do without JJ Melligan as he prepares his Leyton Orient side for the trip to Cheltenham.

Melligan was sent off in the 3-0 home thrashing against Carlisle and misses out through suspension and the dismal display against the Blues could prompt Ling to ring the changes.

Adam Boyd and Sean Thornton were both dragged off at the interval and will be sweating on their places with Stephen Purches, Jabo Ibehre and Charlie Daniels all ready to step up from the bench.

Centre-halves Sam Oji and Tamika Mkandawire are also closing in on full fitness but the game is likely to come too soon for the duo.

Oji has been out since the beginning of the month with a hamstring injury while Mkandawire underwent hernia surgery in February.

Cheltenham team news

Cheltenham boss Keith Downing is likely to stick with the 4-5-1 formation which earned his side a point at Luton.

Craig Reid is challenging Damien Spencer for the lone striker role after making an impact as a substitute at Kenilworth Road, while in midfield Michael D'Agostino and Andy Lindegaard could come into contention after starting on the bench on Saturday.

Alex Russell is still missing with a stomach injury and Michael Townsend (illness), Gavin Caines (knee) and John Finnigan (ankle) all remain long-term absentees.