Who's playing?
Altrincham v Chester FC – Vanarama National League
When and where?
Tuesday, February 16 (7.45pm) at the J Davidson Stadium (WA15 8AP).
Any team news?
Chester have Ryan Astles and James Alabi available again after the cup-tied pair sat out the FA Trophy exit at FC Halifax Town.
The Blues had the weekend off after the trip to Torquay United was postponed but tonight seems certain to be too soon for Luke George and Ben Heneghan, who both picked up knocks in that defeat at Halfax. Heneghan (ankle) will return before George, whose hamstring could keep him out for a while.
There could be a debut for winger Danny O'Brien, who signed on loan from Wigan Athletic at the end of last week, while Ryan Lloyd and Sam Hughes are pushing for starts after decent contributions off the bench last time out.
Astles would be a like-for-like replacement for Heneghan while the absence of George could see Alabi partnering Hannah in a 4-4-2 with Tom Shaw and John Rooney paired in midfield and O'Brien, Lloyd, Craig Mahon and Jordan Chapell in contention for the wide spots.
Tell me about Altrincham...
The Robins go into tonight's game two places and four points above the bottom four.
It's been a difficult campaign for Lee Sinnott's side but there are signs of an upturn in form after a four-match unbeaten run albeit that includes three straight draws.
Sinnott has been in charge since May 2011 and has assembled a hard-working team with plenty of experience.
Top scorer Michael Rankine, who has nine goals, can be a real handful when in the mood but he missed the 3-3 draw with Lincoln City at the weekend through illness.
Chester fans don't need telling how dangerous Damian Reeves can be while Jonny Margetts, who is on loan from Tranmere Rovers, netted against the Imps.
Jake Moult has caused problems for the Blues in the past but rugged defender Gianluca Havern has a fractured nose so Marcus Holness, another Tranmere loanee, will start in central defence.
What is their recent form like?
DDDWLLWDLL
What happened the last time the two sides met?
The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw when Altrincham visited the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium in the first game of 2016.
Ross Hannah put them ahead on 20 minutes but Chester should have had more than that to show for an encouraging first-half performance.
Further chances were wasted after the break and the Blues were punished on the hour when Michael Rankine beat Jon Worsnop to head home the equaliser.
Both sides went close to finding a winner late on but the spoils were shared on a frustrating afternoon for the home fans.
What are the match odds (Betway)?
Altrincham 8/5, Chester 8/5, Draw 11/5.
What's the forecast?
Given it always seems to rain when Chester visit Moss Lane, it won't come as a surprise to learn there's a chance it would be wet tonight. The rainfall isn't guaranteed but probably best to take an umbrella along if you're planning on standing on the open terrace. It's likely to be a cloudy evening with temperatures of 5°C and lower so wrap up warm.
