Who's playing?

Chester FC v Braintree Town.

When and where?

Saturday, September 17 (3pm) at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium, Chester.

Any team news?

Chester boss Jon McCarthy may once again have to shuffle his pack as he contends with a number of injury doubts ahead of the visit of the Iron.

Luke George looks set to miss out but may come back into contention for the trip to Wrexham a week later while Blaine Hudson could feature after returning to training on Thursday after missing the 2-0 win over Guiseley.

James Alabi missed the win over the Lions with injury and he is a doubt while Evan Horwood is in contention again but will have to play with a specially designed protective face mask after breaking his nose a fortnight ago.

Tell me about Braintree Town...

The Iron were the surprise package of the National League last season as they finished third and qualified for the play-offs despite being part-time.

This season has proved far tougher so far, though, with manager Danny Cowley departing for Lincoln City in the summer and players such as midfielder Kenny Davis joining Boreham Wood.

Jamie Day is the man in the Town hotseat and they sit just inside the relegation places with nine points after a difficult start to the campaign.

They do, however, arrive at Chester in buoyant mood following a 2-1 success at Sutton United in midweek.

What has Jon McCarthy had to say about it?

The Blues boss said: "Not to deride Guiseley but Braintree are better. They had a good result in midweek.

"Braintree still have some players there who had a great season last year but they are in a big transition. I have a lot of respect for their manager, Jamie Day, he has been at good places.

"They will be thinking after beating Sutton that coming to Chester is a real chance for six points in a week.

"I am expecting much tougher opposition than the other night but maybe a bit more freedom and confidence from our players."

What happened last time we met?

James Alabi made his Chester debut when the two sides met at Cressing Road on January 30 but it was to prove a disappointing afternoon for the Blues as they were beaten 2-0.

Matty Phillips and Matt Paine were on target for the Iron as they avenged a 1-0 defeat suffered at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium on the opening day.

Action from Chester FC v Braintree Town. Craig Mahon gets free of the defence.
Action from Chester FC v Braintree Town. Craig Mahon gets free of the defence.

What are the match odds?

Bet365: Chester 23/20, Braintree 9/4, Draw 12/5.

SkyBet: Chester 6/5, Braintree 21/10, Draw 23/10.

BetVictor: Chester 6/5, Braintree 9/4, Draw 12/5.

StanJames.com: Chester 5/4, Braintree 9/4, Draw 23/10.

Ladbrokes: Chester 6/5, Braintree 9/4, Draw 23/10.

What is the weather expected to be like?

Overcast with a chance of some sunny spells and temperatures of around 16°C.