Chester FC manager Steve Burr could ring the changes for tonight's visit from Grimsby Town (7.45pm).

Burr shared the fans' frustrations over the ineffectual performance in the weekend's 2-0 defeat at rivals Tranmere Rovers and will know a repeat against Grimsby, one of the favourites for promotion, would not end well.

The Mariners missed out on promotion in the play-off final last season and invested heavily over the summer to go one better this time around.

Results have been mixed but there are signs Paul Hurst's side are starting to find their groove and strikers Omar Bogle and Padraig Amond have 12 goals between them.

The Blues have scored nine times and the lack of goals is a real concern for the manager, who will keep searching for the right combination.

Craig Hobson seems certain to start alongside ex-Grimsby striker Ross Hannah in a return to a three-pronged forward line but there are questions over the right wing berth.

Ryan Higgins and Craig Mahon struggled on Saturday while Jordan Chapell, George Thomson or Kane Richards have shown flashes but have still to convince the manager.

Dale Tonge (ribs) hopes to return but Luke George (thigh) remains sidelined and 18-year-old Sam Hughes has strong claims to replace him after coming off the bench at Prenton Park.

Read: Chester FC manager Steve Burr blames mistakes and missed chances after Tranmere Rovers defeat

Burr admits being in the midst of a run of games against teams expected to challenge for the title with injuries and players out of form is not ideal.

He said: "We knew when we looked at fixtures ahead of us prior to the Forest Green game that we would be in for a tough test and it hasn't helped us with the injures coming at that time.

"They are all tough games but none more so that what we're meeting at the minute so we know we'll be in for another tough game on Tuesday.

Ex-Grimsby Town forward Ross Hannah is set to face his former club for the first time tonight
Ex-Grimsby Town forward Ross Hannah is set to face his former club for the first time tonight

"I would think Luke will still be missing for another couple of weeks. Dale Tonge I'm hoping will be back and available for us and then with the others hopefully there's no reaction for Saturday.

"It was pleasing to get Ross through the game and Hobby's come through the last 15 minutes and the sooner we can get Luke back the better.

"We know how difficult Grimsby are going to be. They've had a little hangover from missing out last year. We know it's going to be difficult but I want to see a lot more.

"I want to see our lads going on the front foot. We're not scoring enough goals at the minute but we'll keep switching things around until we start scoring goals."

Read: We must stop silly mistakes, says Chester FC keeper Jon Worsnop

Grimsby are seventh in the table following a 4-1 win at home to Aldershot Town at the weekend.

The Mariners will check on the fitness of Josh Sunter, Marcus Marshall and ex-Chester midfielder Scott Brown, and defender Josh Gowling returns from suspension.

Assistant manager Chris Doig told the Grimsby Telegraph he was confident of leaving the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium with three points.

He said: "It should be an enjoyable game, because Chester like to play good football. Hopefully we can stop them by playing our own way.

"If our performance levels are up where we want them to be, then I'm confident we can go there and get three points.

"Chester are quite attacking – they like to get it down and give it a go.

"But we want to concentrate on what we can do – and hopefully that will be enough for us to go there and win."

In pictures: Action from Tranmere Rovers 2 Chester FC 0