Bitesize Prediction: Gateshead vs Southend United – 19/11/22

Competition: National League

Market: Southend United win

Odds: 11/10 @ 888sport

Looking to extend on what has been a remarkable purple patch, Southend will make the trip to a struggling Gateshead on Saturday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, while Gateshead might have made their National League return last season, the Tynesiders find themselves in the midst of what is a hugely worrying run of form. Last seen putting in another nightmare display as they were hit with a deserved 3-1 loss away at Yeovil, Mike Williamson’s side are at the heart of a relegation scrap. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat rock-bottom of the table and four points adrift of finding a route out of the drop zone, the one-time Newcastle defender does find some growing pressure on his shoulders. Crashing out of the FA Cup earlier in the month following an action-packed 3-2 loss against League Two outfit Stevenage, Gateshead have picked up just a single victory across any competition from their previous 11 attempts.

As for the visitors, while Gateshead might be enduring a real National League struggle, the same cannot be said for a high-flying Southend. Only continuing on what has been a remarkable purple patch, the Shrimpers should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Skyrocketing their way up the table, the Essex-based outfit were last seen putting in another eye-catching display. Breezing their way to a 2-0 victory at home against Dorking, Kevin Maher’s men are unbeaten in each of their previous six outings – a run that stems back to October 15th. With their recent run highlighted by back-to-back 3-0 victories against Scunthorpe and Maidstone, Southend have also gained a reputation for their rugged displays at the back. Keeping a clean sheet in five of their last six matchups, we’re backing an away win here.

Bet: Southend United 11/10 to beat Gateshead in Saturday’s National League battle @ 888sport