There is a common soundbite that manager’s up and down the country like to wheel out every once in a while when a big came beckons. ‘If you can’t get pumped up for matches like this, you shouldn’t be playing football.’

That statement couldn’t be more apt for this weekend as the Blues look to do the double over their cross-border rivals.

A win for Steve Burr’s men at the Swansway Chester Stadium on Saturday lunchtime (12 noon) against Wrexham would provide a huge shot in the arm to their stuttering survival bid.

A loss would see the noose tighten around the Blues’ neck and the trapdoor into Conference North football open even wider.

The league table after five games isn’t a true representation of the quality of a side. Nor is it after 10 games. You only have to see the woeful start Kidderminster Harriers had last season compared to their storming finish to see that.

After 43 games, however, the reality is that you are in position which reflects the performances on the field and the quality in the side.

Wrexham fall into the same category. This weekend’s game will see two sides who have been poor for much of the campaign go toe-to-toe in an attempt to claim the bragging rights. For Chester though, the stakes are far higher.

With the season’s biggest game upon us, here is where the key battles may lie.

Craig Hobson battles for the ball in the box against Hyde FC
Craig Hobson battles for the ball in the box against Hyde FC

Craig Hobson v Dave Artell

Hobson, although not a prolific striker and a player who does not possess the attacking menace of Matty Taylor, has endeared himself to the Blues faithful during this relegation dogfight with his strong work ethic.

In a basement battle you need to see sleeves rolled up and shifts put in. That is what, ultimately, will carry you home in the absence of that little bit extra quality.

The tall, rangy striker, who joined the Blues last month from Conference North side Guiseley, will be up against a familiar face to Chester fans this weekend when he squares up to Artell.

Artell joined Chester under Keith Curle’s stewardship back in 2005 from Mansfield Town and made 80 appearances in two years for the Blues in the Football League.

A strong, powerful presence in the air, Artell will relish an aerial battle with Hobson – something the ex-Stockport County striker must be prepared to live with.

Not noted for his prowess with the ball at his feet, the recently capped Gibraltar international is a veteran in the Dragons side and has been on the winning XI in the past two games, as Kevin Wilkin’s men have beaten Macclesfield and Nuneaton Town in their last two outings.

He is a wiley campaigner but, if Hobson can mix it with him and be willing to open up space for the likes of John Rooney et al, then there may be some joy for the Blues in front of goal.

Paul Linwood heads Chester 1-0 up against Wrexham in August
Paul Linwood heads Chester 1-0 up against Wrexham in August

Paul Linwood v Johnny Hunt

Few Blues fans will forget the majestic leap and powerful header to give the Blues a fifth-minute 1-0 lead at the Racecourse back in August. More of the same this time around would be greatly appreciated.

With Michael Kay, so impressive in recent weeks, suspendend, George Horan back after a long lay-off, Matty Brown suspended and Luke Ashworth a newcomer at the back, it could well be that Linwood, a former Wrexham player, will be handed a start this weekend.

While he may not be the quickest centre-back in the league, Linwood has always risen to the challenge in big games and will be eager to impress against his former paymasters, from whom he will most likely get a less than favourable reaction.

He will provide some much needed strength in the air but, more importantly, a vocal and experienced voice at the back.

Hunt has bagged 10 times in the league for the Dragons’ this season, making him their leading scorer.

The 23-year-old is fleet of foot and good with his feet, so he will fancy his chances of causing problems for the Chester backline.

If he can be kept off the scoresheet, the Dragon’s don’t have too many more potent threats in their arsenal.

Aaron Chapman leaves the field after being injured against FC Halifax Town
Aaron Chapman leaves the field after being injured against FC Halifax Town

Aaron Chapman v Joslain Mayebi

While these two will most likely only come into contact when shaking hands prior to the game, their performances for their respective teams could well decide the outcome of this match.

Chapman, 23, looked like a world-beater on his debut in the televised win over FC Halifax Town back in February, before he was withdrawn from proceedings with a dislocated finger.

On loan from Chesterfield, the towering 6ft 8ins stopper, who only took up the game four years ago, has been in steady form since replacing John Danby in the sticks, but there have been questions raised over his ability to come and claim crosses.

He possesses undoubted talent, which has been evident by some of the world class saves he has made to keep Chester in many a game this season, but those nervous twitches when the ball goes high into the area remain.

If he can show that same confident display of his first game, I back him to keep the Dragons at bay and give the Blues a big survival boost.

Cameroonian keeper Mayebi is Wrexham’s established number one, but he endured a miserable display the last time the two sides met.

Like Chapman, he is an excellent shot stopper, but if the Blues can put some crosses into dangerous areas then he may be found wanting.