Who's playing?
Altrincham v Chester FC – FA Cup fourth qualifying round.
When and where?
Saturday, October 24 (3pm) at Moss Lane, Altrincham.
What has Craig Mahon had to say about it?
The Blues winger said: “I think against Alty is going to be a tough one and similar to Stockport last season but if we knuckle down and get our confidence back I think we can get through to the first round and hopefully get a good draw. The FA Cup is magical and things happen for a reason."
Any team news?
Midfielder Luke George will face a late fitness test on Saturday but has a chance of making his first appearance in 10 games since pulling a thigh muscle in the home defeat by Forest Green Rovers on September 5.
Tell me about Altrincham...
Managed by Lee Sinnott, the Moss Lane outfit have endured a stuttering campaign so far and sit two places above the relegation zone with 19 points from their opening 18 games.
Alty, in their second successive season in non-league football's top tier, have failed to win in their last four matches, with their last three points coming in a 1-0 home success over Barrow on October 3.
They do, though, have a strong FA Cup pedigree and have claimed 16 Football League scalps in their history, including Chester City in 1992 when Clive Freeman's thunderbolt secured a 2-0 win in a first round replay at Moss Lane. Clubs including Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City and Sheffield United have all been put to the sword by the Robins in the past.
What does Altrincham's form look like over the past 10 games?
LDLDWWLLDD
What happened the last time the two sides met?
Nicky Clee and Damian Reeves both scored twice for the Robins while John Rooney replied with a free kick. But the Blues had no fluency or conviction in attack and failed to trouble Alty keeper Stuart Coburn and Ibou Touray was sent off early in second half on a miserable afternoon for the Blues.
Look: Chester's miserable trip to Altrincham on New Years Day
What are the match odds (Ladbrokes)?
Altrincham 7/4, Draw 23/10, Chester 7/5. Further odds available at Oddschecker.com
What is the weather expected to be like?
Heavy and persistent rain is forecast for the afternoon with sunny intervals from around 4pm. Temperatures of around 10°C expected.
