If it was any other week, or any other match, Jon McCarthy might have dropped Danny Cowley a line.

Chester FC boss McCarthy regularly phones his Lincoln City counterpart for a catch-up and to share information on future opponents.

But it's highly unlikely the friendly foes have exchanged calls ahead of Saturday's clash between two of the Vanarama National League form sides (3pm kick-off).

The Blues will go into the game looking to extend their remarkable league run, during which time they have conceded just one goal, to 10 matches.

Jordan Chapell in action for Chester FC at Macclesfield Town on Tuesday

Lincoln aren't in bad shape either. They have not lost any of their last seven games in all competitions and know victory at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium would see them close the gap on at least one of the top two teams in the league.

Imps manager Cowley is carving out quite the reputation for himself after leading part-time Braintree Town to the play-offs last season.

But he is impressed by the job McCarthy is doing with the Blues. Quite rightly, too. So...

What do the managers have to say?

Cowley, whose side sit third in the standings, said: "Chester are a good team. Jon McCarthy is a football man, a great man, and one we get on well with. We speak regularly on the phone and he's done a really good job there.

"He's created a good team. Defensively they're very good, they've conceded very few goals in recent games, so it'll be a really tough game for us.

"Chester is a really good ground to go to. There's always a good atmosphere, the two teams are in a good place, so it makes for a good game."

McCarthy, whose side are five points behind the play-off places, said: "Lincoln are a team I have a lot of time for.

"We've kept in touch with them (Cowley and his brother, and assistant manager, Nicky) from the very first game of last season (when Chester won 1-0 at home to Braintree). We had them in our office and we had a drink.

"We've always kept in touch and shared a lot of information on teams. I think we have a little bit in common in terms of how we prepare and how we manage teams. But we won't speak this week.

"It's another test for us, but it's an exciting one, because they've got a good team, a good squad, and their focus is definitely on promotion.

"But they come to us on the back of nine unbeaten and they'll be very aware of us. That excites me. There'll be a good crowd there, Lincoln will bring some good fans, and it's about how my players deal with that."

What's the team news?

What makes Chester's run all the more impressive is how they have coped with injuries and suspension during it. On that front, matters have not improved.

While striker Kane Richards returns from his one-match ban, captain Luke George serves the second game of his six-match suspension for violent conduct.

Kane Richards is back from suspension for Chester FC

Goalkeeper Liam Roberts is touch and go after missing the 0-0 draw at Macclesfield Town on Tuesday. However, his replacement at Moss Rose, Alex Lynch, did well on his debut.

Also rated as doubtful are full-backs Theo Vassell and Evan Horwood. Centre-back Ross Killock, who like Vassell came off against Macc, is definitely out.

Lincoln will be without the versatile Lee Beevers, who suffered a serious knee injury in their 2-0 win at home to Boreham Wood on Tuesday, as well as midfielder Taylor Miles and striker Adam Marriott.

What are the odds?

Bet 355: Chester 7/4, draw 23/10, Lincoln 31/10.

Sky Bet: Chester 6/4, draw 9/4, Lincoln 8/5.

Betfred: Chester 17/10, draw 23/10, Lincoln 8/5.