A challenging opening month for Chester FC concludes with a testing trip to Gateshead on Saturday (3pm).

Five games into the 2014-15 season, the Blues are 17th in the table with one win, one draw and three defeats, while the Heed are sixth with three wins, one draw and one loss.

Few will therefore give Steve Burr and his side much chance but the capricious performances over the past four weeks means the hosts cannot be rated as bankers.

New signings Connor Roberts and Jadan Hall will both be included in the squad that travels to the North East.

Ex-Cheltenham Town keeper Roberts, 21, looks to set to be named on the bench with Jon Worsnop returning between the sticks in place of Freddy Hall, who left the club on Tuesday.

Hall, 20, has arrived on loan from Premier League newcomers Burnley and could go straight into the starting side.

Chris Iwelumo, who missed a penalty in the 2-2 draw at Kidderminster Harriers on Monday, could drop out with Craig Hobson reverting to targetman.

Wayne Riley, who came off the bench to score the equaliser, is pushing hard for his start too with Craig Mahon the only fitness concern.

Chester failed to beat Gateshead last season, losing 3-2 in the North East in September and then drawing 1-1 at home in December.

Burr, who rates the Heed as one of the favourites for promotion, knows his side face a massive challenge.

He said: “Gateshead just missed out on being promoted last year and they’ve made some very good signings.

“We know how hard it’s going to be but we’ll go there and look to win the game like we always do.”

Gateshead will be without star man Marcus Maddison, who was sold to League One side Peterborough United for a club-record fee on Wednesday.

Maddison had bagged four goals this season as Gateshead bid to go one better than last season, when Gary Mills’ side lost to Cambridge United in the play-off final.

Although the Heed have cashed in on the ex-Newcastle United youngster, Mills' squad still has an abundance of talent.

Consistent keeper Adam Bartlett should return, Jon Shaw and Lewis Guy have bags of experience and ex-Grimsby winger Alex Rodman tormented the Blues last season when with Grimsby Town.

Mills was pleased to see his side grind out a 1-0 win at Altrincham on Monday, particularly after the freakish 6-1 home loss to Grimsby last weekend.

"When you lose a game, you don't lose the next one, so Monday's result was massive," said Mills.

"We responded to the Grimsby game with a clean sheet and a 1-0 win, which couldn't have been better.

"So far, we've had some excellent performances, a couple of OK performances where we got results, and one poor display.

"But, I'm looking forward to Chester. Hopefully we'll get another three points and a good performance, and the players will show the fans that nothing fazes us and we're ready for the challenge."