THE BIG MATCH

New leaders Cheltenham Town look to beat the weather as they welcome AFC Wimbledon for the first time to Whaddon Road in npower League 2's big match. Robins boss Mark Yates told www.ctfc.co.uk that being top of the table has given his side a further boost:

"We took the opportunity to go top of the league when it was there and I think that was good for us psychologically. We know there is a long way to go but it has been a good week for us.

"We are comfortable where we are and the urge is to now kick on and do what we can to win as many games as we can. The lads can do what they like on their laptops and iPads such as looking at league tables but when they come into training the most important thing is always our next game. Of course I know what the pack below us are doing but we can only control the controllable. There will be blips I am sure but we have the desire and urgency to make sure we stay where we are."

Like most teams this week Cheltenham have been making alternative arrangements in training:

"Training has been really good this week. We have had to train on a 3G surface because of the weather and I would like to thank Winchcombe Spots Hub for that. I expected a response at the weekend and I knew I would get it. If we're talking about one defeat in 12 or 13 games then I'll be happy with that."

However Yates expects an improvement from his side after a poor display earlier in the season against tomorrow's opponents:

"Our last game against Wimbledon was probably one of our worst performances of the season but we are a different team to that day now. It was many moons ago and we have moved on. I have great respect for Terry Brown and AFC Wimbledon for their work over the years. I watched them play Macclesfield last week and for 45 minutes it was the best performance I have seen from a side in this division this season - we are under no illusions.

"The bottom line is that they are a very good side and the window has been good to them with good players coming in at the right time. I'm sure they'll be looking to come to our place and cause an upset.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Swindon Town have surged up the table to second place and face a faltering Burton Albion side at the County Ground. Swindon signed 21-year-old midfielder Lee Cox from Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a two-and-a-half year deal this week and it is that strength in depth that makes visiting Manager Paul Peschisolido tell the Swindon Advertiser:

"When you've got the money to go out and buy good players, you've got a good chance of promotion from this division. We've seen that in the past with teams like Notts County, who were able to sign players of better quality than you normally see in League 2.

"When you have got money and a good manager spending it for you, then you've got an even better chance. I think Swindon will most likely go up without having to worry about the Play-Offs."

Even so, Peschisolido is confident his side will give a good account of themselves - whatever the result.

He added: "We're going there with one thing in mind - and that's to give it a go to show we've turned the corner. I think the lads will be really up for it because we had a superb 45 minutes against Oxford on Sunday that has restored a lot of belief.

"We're down to ninth in the table at the minute, but we're only a point off the Play-Offs so we've got everything to play for. Everyone is determined - that's me, the staff and the players - that we're not going to let the season fizzle out."

Peschisolido will again be without strikers Billy Kee (groin) and Justin Richards (ankle), while Swindon are likely to be without the services of giant centre-half Aden Flint for the rest of the season with a groin problem.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined for the last two games and will see a specialist on Friday to determine whether he needs surgery.

Manager Paolo Di Canio told BBC Wiltshire: "There are two ways - surgery straight away or wait and see what goes on with his recovery. But the season is finished for him, that is the reality."

Di Canio continued: "He could recover without surgery and have injections and play the final push but this is not fair. Yesterday he asked me 'if you were me what decision would you make?' but I said 'I can't tell you because I'm not a surgeon'.

"I told him to speak with his family - not his agent or people around him who don't know anything. Your family speak with their hearts, and maybe try and persuade you to make the right decision. He has to relax and see what he wants to do."

ELSEWHERE IN THE DIVISION

Shrewsbury Town put the only remaining unbeaten home record on the line once again as they welcome Port Vale.

Aldershot Town will have 33-year-old midfielder Ben Smith available against Bristol Rovers at the Ebb Stadium. The former Arsenal apprentice has made over 400 appearances for Yeovil Town, Hereford United and Shrewsbury Town as well as Crawley Town. Rovers boss Mark McGhee will give a debut to a player he knows all about, Jim Paterson who worked with the new Rovers boss at Motherwell.

Crawley Town dropped out of the automatic promotion places for the first time last weekend and will look to bounce back as they travel to Bradford City. Talismanic striker Matt Tubbs has left for Bournemouth but Billy Clarke has come in from Blackpool and Karl Hawley arrives from Notts County.

Crewe Alexandra will be without suspended centre halves Dave Artell and Adam Dugdale as they welcome in form Accrington Stanley to Gresty Road

Gillingham 's home game against Hereford United has already been postponed due to the weather as has Morecambe's game at home to Dagenham and Redbridge

Northampton Town look to close the gap on the Daggers as they host Macclesfield Town. Boss Aidy Boothroyd has brought in experience over the last week or so, with midfielder Luke Guttridge and defender Clarke Carlisle both arriving. Carlisle is set for his debut in defence and if does play, he'll become the 40th player to represent the Cobblers this season - the most of any club in The Football League.

Oxford United will have new faces Scott Rendell and Mark Wilson in their side against Barnet, while Barnet came through the transfer window with striker Izale McLeod still their player despite plenty of interest in the top scorer. Damian Batt misses out for Oxford against his former club, serving the second game of a two match suspension.

Plymouth Argyle manager Carl Fletcher has added to his attacking options with strikers Juvhel Tsoumou and Alex MacDonald signing on loan from Preston North End and Burnley respectively. Opponents Southend United will be boosted by the return of striker Liam Dickinson at Home Park after suspension while Neil Harris faces a fitness test to determine his availability following a groin problem.

Finally Rotherham United take on sixth placed Torquay United at the Don Valley Stadium, but it is a tough task for the Millers against a Gulls side who have won every game in January.

Keep an eye on Weather Watch and your club website for details of any planned pitch inspections and confirmation of postponements

Click here for all the weekend's action