Leyton Orient come into the tie top of the league following a three-match winning streak, most recently a 1-0 victory against title rivals Wrexham last Saturday.
Marvin Ekpiteta’s 72nd minute strike secured a deserved three points for the home side, who leap-frogged their Welsh rivals in the National League table.
With the FA Trophy semi-final first leg at home to Telford on the horizon, Justin Edinburgh may look to freshen things up with a couple of changes to his starting XI, with a busy schedule ahead as the season draws to a close.
Sam Ling picked up a knock against the Dragons, with Joe Widdowson covering at right-wing-back, whilst James Brophy came on from the bench to play on the opposite flank.
Myles Judd remains side-lined and is expected to be unavailable for the rest of the season. Assistant coach Ross Embleton suggested ‘friendly/reserve games’ would be used to give James Dayton and Josh Koroma valuable minutes before returning to the senior squad.
Drop Shots
Aldershot come into the tie fighting for National League survival sitting seven points adrift of safety with a game in hand.
The Shots will be without George Fowler, Lewis Kinsella and James Rowe who have been side-lined for long periods.
Captain Scott Rendell looks set to return to the side after serving a two-match suspension for a red card picked up against Braintree.
Reece Grant may return after missing the defeat to Barrow at the weekend. Goalkeeper Will Mannion, on loan from Hull, may also push for a place in the side on Tuesday night.
Trés Bonne
Macauley Bonne has been prolific for the O’s this season, bagging 20 goals for the east- London club. However, since partnering Jay Simpson up top, the forward is without a goal in five appearances.
Bonne last found the net during the 3-0 win against Maidstone United on 26th January, bagging a brace that day.
Up against a leaky defence, the number nine will be fired up to get his name back on the score sheet and help his team secure a valuable three points as he endures his worst drought of the season.
Contrasting Fortunes
| Leyton Orient 1-0 Wrexham | Barrow 2-1 Aldershot |
| Barrow 2-3 Leyton Orient | Aldershot 0-2 Gateshead |
| Havant & W 1-2 Leyton Orient | Braintree 0-1 Aldershot |
| Brackley Town 1-2 Leyton Orient (FA Trophy) | Halifax 0-0 Aldershot |
| Leyton Orient 0-1 Maidenhead | Aldershot 0-3 Solihull |
| Hartlepool 1-1 Leyton Orient | Aldershot 1-3 Eastleigh |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Leyton Orient: 1st | 36 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 32 | 70 |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Aldershot: 22nd | 36 | 8 | 8 | 20 | -30 | 32 |
Point Apiece
Last time out, the Shots held Orient to a goalless draw where the O’s struggled to test Aldershot keeper Will Mannion in front of their home faithful.
O’s captain Jobi McAnuff came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first-half, smashing the bar with a free-kick.
Familiar Face
Ex-Orient defender George Elokobi will face his former side on Tuesday evening after parting ways with the club back in January.
The 33-year-old, who has Premier League experience, was picked up by strugglers Aldershot where he has since flourished, scooping ‘Player of the Month’ in February for his performances.
Away Days
The game takes place this Tuesday 12th March with kick-off scheduled for 19:45. The Electrical Services Stadium, home of Aldershot Town, will play host to this National League fixture.
