After securing passage in both the FA Cup and Somerset Premier Cup, Yeovil Town return to National League action on Saturday afternoon (3pm) with Eastleigh providing the opposition.

The Glovers, who come into the fixture in a positive vein of form, will be looking to leapfrog Eastleigh, who sit just three points ahead with a similar goal difference.

Saturday’s visitors have struggled on their travels this season, picking up just one win in their six away trips. Ben Strevens will be hoping he can turn around this form and apply pressure on the play-off places.

Darren Sarll’s thoughts

Speaking in his press conference on Thursday afternoon, Sarll said; “We’re in good form, it’s as good as the first four games of the season. The players are playing very well.

“For me, it’s about trying to get as many players in form as possible. Right now, Matt Worthington is playing his best football for me in the last two and a half years.

“(Dale) Gorman and (Josh) Staunton, have been excellent. Moss is definitely developing, especially the attacking part of his game.

“(Charlie) Wakefield and (Tom) Knowles are a threat, Adi (Yussuf) has been a real handful so we’re in good form.”

Team news

Luke Wilkinson & Morgan Williams have returned to boost Darren Sarll’s defensive options. This could see Josh Staunton move to his more familiar role in the middle of midfield.

Also boosting the backline is Max Hunt, who sat out against Yate due to the suspension that he picked up for his red card against Solihull Moors.

For the first time this season due to injury, Alex Bradley was able to play 90 minutes in the Somerset Premier Cup, he’ll be hoping to make an impact on Saturday afternoon.

In terms of the forward line, Reuben Reid is a matter of weeks away from a return after his long-term injury lay-off.

A foot in the opposition camp

Saturday’s visitors have endured a mixed start to the season, despite a strong home record, their form on the road has held the Spitfires back. Picking up just four points from six games, Eastleigh will be hoping their away form picks up at Huish Park.

The man who will be looking to mastermind a return to form is Ben Strevens, a former Eastleigh player who turned manager in 2018 after a spell as interim & assistant. Since 2018, he has led the Hampshire side to a play-off finish, however his side were not able to reach the final.

Former Glover Tom Whelan is the man to look out for in the Eastleigh camp. A dead ball specialist, Whelan will have a point to prove against his former side.

Have we met before

Town’s most memorable encounter with Eastleigh in recent years came in Sarll’s first competitive home game in charge. Courtney Duffus’ second minute strike was the difference as the boss secured his first three points in Somerset.

Last season proved more difficult, as Eastleigh did the double over the Glovers. A 3-0 defeat at Huish Park which saw Staunton suffer a season ending injury was followed up by a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Silverlake Stadium on a cold Tuesday evening.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased from the Yeovil Town ticket office website until midday on match day. Following this, tickets can be purchased in person from the ticket office.