Who's playing?

Braintree Town v Chester FC - Vanarama National League

When and where?

Saturday, January 30 (3pm), at the Cressing Road, Braintree, Essex.

Any team news?

Aside from striker Craig Hobson who continues to nurse a dead leg, Steve Burr has a fully fit squad to face the Iron this weekend.

Having impressed on his debut appearance in a Chester shirt against Southport on Saturday and signed a new deal with the club this week, Ryan Astles is likely to keep his place alongside Ben Heneghan at the heart of defence.

Burr could also have new striking options at his disposal with the expected arrival of tall, 19-year-old Rochdale forward Nyal Bell and the possibility of an experienced National League striker joining the Blues ranks ahead of the trip to Essex.

Manchester-born Nyal Bell could be in the Chester squad for the trip to Braintree
Manchester-born Nyal Bell could be in the Chester squad for the trip to Braintree

What has Steve Burr had to say about it?

"It's a tough place to go and they've had a few propblems with the pitch so it will be quite heavy," said the Blues boss.

"We'll have to have a look and see the best way of going to get three points.
We've got a lot of confindece back in the squad over the past couple of weeks and we want to push on from the Southport game.
"It's difficult because you want to play but at the same time you've got to adapt to the conditions. We had them watched against Wrexham in the week and there wasn't a lot of football played from either side and it was more about getting it forward early.

"We'll have a look at all of those things and see what's the best way of us getting three points."

Tell me about Braintree Town...

Having had a glut of games called off in recent weeks, the Iron are playing catch-up in the National League but, despite having played four games less than some of the sides in the top five, sit just six points off the play-off places.

Boss Danny Cowley took over from Alan Devonshire in the Cressing Road hotseat in the summer and has done an impressive job thus far, leading them to 11 in the National League following their 1-0 win over Wrexham on Tuesday night.

Having been in the lower reaches of non-league football for much of their history, Braintree were promoted to the National League in 2011 after being crowned champions of the Conference South.

What's their recent form been like?

WLLWDWDWLW

Action from Chester FC 1 Braintree Town 0: John Rooney waits to bring the ball under control
Action from Chester FC 1 Braintree Town 0: John Rooney waits to bring the ball under control

What happened the last time the sides met?

The two sides met on the opening day of the season at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium where Johnny Hunt's debut goal secured a 1-0 win for Chester.

The game was just four minutes old when the Blues scored the first goal of the 2015-16 National League season through Hunt.

The left-back collected a short corner from John Rooney and drove into the box, checking inside three defenders and curling his shot around keeper Will Norris and in off the post.

Braintree then gained a foothold in the game, restricting Chester's effectiveness and forcing Jon Worsnop into a couple of saves from distance.

Chester seized back the initiative at the end of the half with Norris getting down well to keep out Rooney's free-kick as the Blues went in 1-0 ahead.

Braintree continued to frustrate the Blues in the second period and should have drawn level on the hour when Dan Sparkes got behind the defence but Worsnop made an excellent stop.

Chester needed a second to relieve the pressure and almost got it when Jordan Chapell's strike flew past Norris before rebounding off the upright.

Braintree continued to force the game without creating too much, and needed the woodwork to save them again on 80 minutes when Rooney's shot smashed against the stanchion as Hunt's goal proved enough for the win.

What are the match odds (bet365)?

Braintee Town 11/10, Draw 5/2, Chester FC 11/5.

What is the weather going to be like (Met Office)?

Mostly dry and cloudy but with some sunny intervals. Chilly temperatures of around 4°C.