CHESTER players and supporters are gearing up for the biggest game of the season to date tomorrow when they face fellow pacesetters Barnet at the Deva.

City's hard-fought win in midweek, Barnet's 90th-minute winner against Gravesend and Hereford's surprise defeat at Accrington have set the fixture up superbly.

The two sides, along with Aldershot, are separated only by goal difference on 36 points.

An already intriguing game is given added spice with the Conference's top scorer, Giuliano Grazioli, doing battle with its meanest defence.

The former Swindon and Bristol Rovers striker has 17 goals in 17 games although his manager Martin Allen believes he has hit a drought, having not scored in the last couple of games!

Blues defender Danny Collins is looking forward to the contest.

He said: 'Grazioli is very dangerous and we are going to have to maintain our concentration to keep him quiet.

'It will be a very tough game for us but it is one we are all looking forward to very much. Many sides come to the Deva and just sit back, but Barnet look to play some good football and they will be going for the three points themselves.

'There should be a bigger crowd than usual and everything is set up perfectly.'

Tuesday night's win at Christie Park was one that both the fans and the players were able to enjoy at the full-time whistle.

'The fans were great at Morecambe, they really got behind us and it was nice for Daryl (Clare) to score the winner right in front of them,' said Collins.

'We played much better than we had last Saturday against Gravesend,' added the 23-year-old.

City fans can expect to see a home debut for Alex Smith, in his second spell at the club. His performance on Tuesday confirmed exactly why City boss Mark Wright signed him from Port Vale.

Collins said: 'Alex is very good on the ball. He has played in the first division with Reading so he obviously has something about him.

'At the moment he is just lacking a little fitness, but Tuesday's game was his first of the season so it's remarkable that he lasted into stoppage time.'

Wright may have a selection dilemma in goal for tomorrow. Ian McCaldon had to be substituted at half-time in midweek after he damaged his groin taking a goal kick, but he was in for treatment on Thursday and it remains unclear whether he will be fit in time or whether last season's first choice, Wayne Brown, will take over between the posts.

Wright was also keeping his cards close to his chest with regard to the formation. He fielded a 3-5-2 shape on Tuesday after playing 3-4-3 in previous weeks.

The decision will not be taken lightly, the importance of the game, along with next week's trip to Aldershot, really will give a true indication as to whether or not the Blues can expect to find themselves in the championship shake-up come the end of the season. Steve Brodie's short-term future remains un-clear.

He was interesting Forest Green Rovers and UniBond League leaders Droylsden, who were both seeking his services on loan, but yesterday he was still training with the City squad.