MARK Wright could keep his young guns in reserve for Chester City's most daunting League Two fixture of the season tonight.
Victoria Park, the home of table-topping Hartlepool United, has been an unforgiving venue for away teams all season, which is why City boss Wright may opt to take Chris Holroyd, James Vaughan and Paul Rutherford out of the firing line.
The rookie trio impressed in City's 2-0 home win over Barnet on Saturday, leaving Wright with an intriguing selection dilemma.
He said: 'I've got to decide whether we think it's the right time to put three youngsters into a game against Hartlepool, who are un-beaten in 22, or protect them a little bit and keep them out. That's my decision.
'They did exceptionally well for us against Barnet and to blood them in a home game like that was a good option for us. But this game against Hartlepool is massive.
'The pressure would be more on Hartlepool because they want to win the league and keep their run going. There's a lot of expectancy from their fans and if we go out with the right attitude, we can cause a few problems.'
Hartlepool have lost only once in the league since being beaten by Chester at the Saunders Honda Stadium on October 20 last year. Danny Wilson's men had started impressively and were leading 1-0 when they had striker Jon Daly sent off after just 17 minutes.
Wright added: 'You could tell down here that they were a very good side. They've got a big budget and a big playing squad and that's what helps these big clubs.
'After we beat them down here, they'll be looking to put the record straight and to try and turn us over.'
City will be without right wing-back Simon Marples tonight. The former Doncaster player will miss the rest of the season after breaking a toe in training last T hursday.
