Who's playing?
Altrincham v Chester FC.
When and where?
Saturday, July 16 (3pm) at the J Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane WA15 8AP.
Admission is £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under-16s.
Any team news?
Jon McCarthy was very pleased with his team's performance in the midweek goalless draw with Wigan Athletic and in particular with his back four of Theo Vassell, Blaine Hudson, Ryan Astles and Evan Horwood.
Tom Shaw missed that game due to the emergency removal of a wisdom tooth and Ross Killock sat out with a minor knock but neither are serious concerns so could return to the squad.
Trialists Wade Joyce, Rakim Newton, Kevin Exell and Elliott Nevitt will be hoping for a further chance to impress before McCarthy brings in a fresh batch of hopefuls next week.
James Alabi and Kane Richards have still to be teamed together this pre-season but that has allowed McCarthy to have a look at Jordan Chapell, Elliott Durrell and Craig Mahon in more advanced roles, something the manager could do again against Altrincham.
Tell me about Altrincham...
Chester supporters need no introduction to Altrincham manager Neil Young, who won a remarkable three successive championships during his trophy-laden tenure with the Blues.
Young was less successful in his next role with Stockport County but, following a short break from the game, he is now revitalised and relishing the challenge of attempting to lead the Robins back into the National League.
Last season was a disappointing one for Alty, who found themselves struggling at the wrong end of the table under Lee Sinnott and, after he left the club, his former assistant Neil Tolson was unable to prevent them from suffering relegation to the National League North.
Young was appointed as soon as the 2015/16 season had ended and he has overhauled the squad he inherited with no less than 12 new signings, including several that will be familiar to Blues fans, although there have been some notable departures too with Scott Leather, Nicky Clee and Luca Havern among those moving on.
Altrincham kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against North West Counties League side Widnes Town last weekend with goals from Danny Hattersely and Damian Reeves.
Any players to watch out for?
Young's squad includes four former Blues with Craig Hobson, Danny Hattersley, Jamie Menagh and Sean Miller arriving at Altrincham during the close season.
Hardworking forward Hobson scored 14 goals in 82 appearances during his time at Chester but was not offered a new deal at the end of last season.
Hattersley made eight appearances on loan from FC Halifax Town last term but failed to register a goal and was allowed to return to his parent club after two months.
Young brought winger Menagh to Chester in October 2013 and he scored four times in 38 games before departing in March 2015 while Miller made his first-team debut for the Blues under Young but then moved into the Welsh Premier League with Gap Connah's Quay.
What happened the last time the two sides met?
Back in February the Blues registered their first league win of 2016 in emphatic fashion as goals from Danny O'Brien, Ryan Astles and Ross Hannah sealed a convincing 3-0 success at Altrincham.
Steve Burr's team dominated the game from start to finish with on-loan O'Brien smashing them into the lead on 26 minutes and Astles bundling home John Rooney's corner on the stroke of half-time to double the advantage.
Chester wrapped up the points in the 76th minute when Hannah, who had earlier ballooned a penalty over the bar, stabbed home from close range.
What is the weather expected to be like?
With a band of cloud and rain affecting some areas, there's a good chance it will be another wet visit to Moss Lane for Chester fans but this should clear to brighter and fresher conditions towards the end of the day. Maximum temperatures of around 15°C.
