Three points from safety with only nine games remaining, Leyton Orient host Port Vale at Brisbane Road.
Last weekend saw the O’s suffer a morale crushing 1-0 defeat at relegation rivals Crawley, but Fabio Liverani’s team need to respond strongly against Port Vale.
Vale come into the tie having lost their previous three matches and sit in 15th, nine points above the O’s.
VitalOrient looks ahead to the League 1 clash.
Leyton Orient Team News:
Orient will be without Jobi McAnuff who is away on international duty with Jamaica.
On loan Reading midfielder Jake Taylor could be handed his debut after arriving on Thursday.
Gary Sawyer is expected to come into the side in place of Andrea Dossena.
There could also be a welcome return for Lloyd James into the matchday squad after the midfielder completed 60 minutes for the reserves midweek.
Player to watch: Dean Cox
The winger endured a frustrating afternoon at Crawley last weekend but is likely to start against Port Vale.
Over recent weeks Cox has had to settle for a place on the bench but with Jobi McAnuff away on international duty, Cox is expected to continue on the left wing.
Cox is the O’s longest-serving player and his delivery into the box will be crucial if Orient are to win on Saturday.
Port Vale Team News:
Port Vale could hand up to three debuts on Saturday having brought in Francisco Junior, Neill Collins and Mohamed Coulibaly all on loan.
Of the three Junior is the favourite to be handed a starting place as Michael Brown is suspended for the trip to Brisbane Road.
Player to watch: Tom Pope
The powerful striker is the Valiants top scorer with 11 goals this campaign.
Pope will provide a stern test for the Orient defence from set-pieces who cannot allow the forward to be left unmarked.
Since joining Port Vale in 2011 Pope has scored 65 goals.
Match Facts & Stats
Out of the previous five encounters between the teams, Orient have won on three occasions.
The last time a match ended in a draw between the sides was in April 1948.
Saturday will be the 59th encounter between the teams.
Ref Watch:
Darren Handley
Next Fixtures:
Leyton Orient:
Coventry (A) April 1
Gillingham (H) April 6
Crewe (A) April 11
Port Vale:
Colchester (H) April 3
Rochdale (A) April 6
MK Dons (H) April 11
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