Chester FC v Halifax: Everything you need to know

Who's playing?

Chester FC v FC Halifax Town – Vanarama National League

When and where?

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

What has Steve Burr had to say about it?

“We've just got to go and get three points,” said the Blues boss.

“It's probably the worst time to play a side after they have been battered like that (7-0 at Grimsby Town on Tuesday) but I'm more interested in my team and how we perform. At the minute we are not firing on all cylinders.”

Any team news?

Luke George is nearing a return to first-team action following over a month on the sidelines due to a pulled thigh muscle but is highly doubtful to feature against the Shaymen and may have to wait until the FA Cup fourth qualifying round at Altrincham seven days later.

On-loan Oxford United striker James Roberts could be in line for a return after missing the last three games following the tragic death of his 16-year-old brother in a car accident in Buckinghamshire on October 3.

Winger Craig Mahon could be in line for a start after his goal-scoring exploits from the substitutes bench against Southport on Tuesday.

Tell me about Halifax...

It has been a nightmare campaign so far for the West Yorkshire side, who sacked long-serving manager Neil Aspin last month following a poor run of results that saw them in the relegation places.

They hired former Oldham Athletic boss Darren Kelly at the start of October but he, despite a win at Altrincham, has endured a dreadful start to life in the hotseat at the Shay, losing three of four games, conceding seven twice and shipping a startling 18 goals in the process.

They sit second from bottom, five points from safety and have conceded 43 goals in their 17 league games so far.

They do, however, have striker Jordan Burrow in good form, with the summer signing from Lincoln City having netted 10 times so far this campaign, making up for 50% of their total goals scored.

They do have a number of former Chester players in their ranks, with midfielder Kingsley James, defender Matty Brown, goalkeeper Matt Glennon and full-back Kevin Roberts all regular starters for the Shaymen.

What does Halifax's form look like over the past 10 games?

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What happened the last time the two sides met?

A first-half Jordan Chapell goal was enough to secure maximum points for Burr's side when they visited the Shay on August 11 in the Blues' second game of the season.

The Chester triumph saw them record back-to-back victories having beaten Braintree Town 1-0 on the opening day, the last time the Blues have achieved the feat this season.

READ: FC Halifax Town 0 Chester FC 1

What are the match odds (bet365)?

Chester 11/20, Draw 29/10, Halifax 5/1

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

Cloudy with a chance of rain but some sunshine developing, although with a cool north-easterly breeze. Temperatures of around 9°C.