Coming into the tie, Orient have won their last eight games in both the league and FA Trophy. Two points clear at the top with two games in-hand, the FA Trophy finalists have just eight games remaining to secure promotion.
An impressive performance last time out saw the O’s defeat AFC Fylde 2-0 on Tuesday night. Marvin Ekpiteta and Macauley Bonne both scored in the first-half to secure a huge three points.
Jamie Turley, who has been covering at right-wing-back, picked up what appeared to be a hamstring injury in midweek, handing Justin Edinburgh a tough decision with both Sam Ling and Myles Judd injured.
Joe Widdowson may be switched to the right-flank, with James Brophy comfortable on the left-side of defence. An alternative would be to start Craig Clay at right-wing-back and bring Charlie Lee into central midfield.
Jay Simpson returned to the bench against the Coasters and may push for a return to the starting line-up.
Bees Buzzing
The hosts come into the match floating above the relegation zone, but like Orient they have games in-hand to improve their position.
Unbeaten in their last five outings, the Bees look re-focused in recent weeks having been committed to runs in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.
Darren Currie manages the north-London club, having replaced John Still who stepped down before the New-Year.
Stepping Up
Joe Widdowson has been dubbed ‘Mr Consistent’ this season with the left-back regularly standing out in many of Orient’s games this season, shining in his new role as a more attacking wing-back.
Captain Jobi McAnuff hailed his team mate, claiming he was a massive “attacking threat” in the O’s new tactical set-up.
With a shortage of cover on the opposite flank, it will be worth keeping an eye on who starts at right-wing back this Saturday.
Form Book
| Leyton Orient 2-0 Fylde | Barnet 2-0 Aldershot |
| Telford 1-2 Leyton Orient (FA Trophy) | Salford 0-0 Barnet |
| Leyton Orient 1-0 Telford (FA Trophy) | Barnet 1-0 Harrogate |
| Leyton Orient 1-0 Wrexham | Barnet 0-0 Hartlepool |
| Barrow 2-3 Leyton Orient | Barnet 1-1 Halifax |
| Havant & W 1-2 Leyton Orient | Gateshead 2-1 Barnet |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Leyton Orient: 1st | 38 | 22 | 10 | 6 | 35 | 76 |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Barnet: 16th | 38 | 13 | 10 | 15 | -8 | 49 |
Sweet Victory
Orient comfortably secured three points in the reverse fixture, beating the Bees 3-1 last September at The Breyer Group Stadium.
Josh Coulson put the hosts in control only for Barnet’s Wesley Fonguck to level the tie before half-time.
James Dayton would re-instate the O’s lead before Macauley Bonne grabbed a third goal to seal the win.
When and Where?
The game will take place this Saturday 30th March at The Hive, home of Barnet, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
