A recent slump in form has seen Orient fall to third in the National League, as both Wrexham and Solihull Moors have leap-frogged the O’s in recent weeks.
Justin Edinburgh’s team trail Wrexham by five points, but with two games in hand top spot can be reclaimed with two victories.
Last time out, Dan Happe’s 83rd minute header ensured Orient made the semi-final of the FA Trophy, beating holders Brackley Town 2-1 in the quarter-final.
Now, attention returns to the league as a trip to the coast sees Macauley Bonne & Co take on Havant & Waterlooville.
Orient’s defence has been bolstered by the return of Josh Coulson, however Marvin Ekpiteta is expected to miss out having broken his nose after returning against Brackley.
Josh Koroma is back in training and may be in contention having recovered from a hamstring injury.
Dreaded Drop
The Hawks currently sit 21st as they look set for a relegation battle. Lee Bradbury manages Havant who are without a win in their last five outings.
Currently three points above Aldershot, who have a game in hand, the south-coast side are desperate for points as they look to avoid the drop having been promoted last year.
Rory Williams may push to return for the hosts, having missed out against Halifax with a bruised foot.
Paul Robinson and Bradley Tarbuck are likely to be side-lined for the remainder of the season with injuries.
Trusting Youth
Dan Happe has taken full advantage of recent game time, performing exceptionally well as the 20-year-old has covered for injured defenders Josh Coulson and Marvin Ekpiteta.
Ekpiteta started alongside Happe away to Brackley, but picked up a broken nose, as Coulson also returned and replaced him from the bench.
With Ekpiteta expected to miss out, Happe is likely to retain a spot in the starting line-up. Having scored his first professional goal for Orient, Happe will look to continue his fine form against Havant & Waterlooville.
Form Book
| Brackley Town 1-2 Leyton Orient (FA Trophy) | Halifax 0-0 Havant & W |
| Leyton Orient 0-1 Maidenhead United | Fylde 6-2 Havant & W |
| Hartlepool United 1-1 Leyton Orient | Havant & W 2-3 Wrexham |
| Leyton Orient 1-0 Blyth Spartans (FA Trophy) | Gateshead 0-0 Havant & W |
| Leyton Orient 3-0 Maidstone United | Havant & W 0-0 Dover |
| Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Leyton Orient | Boreham Wood 1-3 Havant & W |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Leyton Orient: 3rd | 33 | 17 | 10 | 6 | 29 | 61 |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Havant & Waterlooville: 21st | 35 | 8 | 11 | 16 | -14 | 35 |
Challenge Conquered
These sides competed against each other for the first time ever in late October, as Orient brushed Havant aside with a 4-0 victory at The Breyer Group Stadium.
Goals from Josh Coulson, Macauley Bonne, Charlie Lee and a Theo Lewis own-goal completed the win.
Did you know?
The O’s will be in action an astonishing eight times throughout March, as the east-London side look to secure promotion as well as earn a trip to Wembley.
Diary Dates
| 2nd March | Havant & Waterlooville (A) |
| 5th March | Barrow (A) |
| 9th March | Wrexham (H) |
| 12th March | Aldershot (A) |
| 16th March (FA Trophy semi-final 1st leg) | AFC Telford (H) |
| 23rd March (FA Trophy semi-final 2nd leg) | AFC Telford (A) |
| 26th March | AFC Fylde (H) |
| 30th March | Barnet (A) |
When and Where?
The game will take place this Saturday 2nd March with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
The O’s travel to West Leigh Park in a bid to climb back up the National League table and reclaim top spot, having slipped down the division in recent weeks.
