Home draws against Morpeth, on opening day, and against Atherton Collieries, coupled with five games without scoring, leading to narrow defeats have compounded Basford's torrid start to the season, since switching back to the NPL from the Southern League Central equivalent. Gainsborough start the game six points ahead of Basford, with the added bonus of a game in hand (though in truth, that matters little at this stage in the season).
Five players from Basford's last squad (against Hyde United on Saturday) have previously pulled on a Gainsborough Trinity shirt. Double centurion, Dom Roma is still pulling on the boots at 37. Centre back, Lewis Carr, who signed from Basford under Tom Shaw, before returning a few months later, is part of the Greenwich Avenue squad. Matt Thornhill (34) signed for the Holy Blues when Roma was in charge. Peter Dearle was a loan signing from Notts County whilst Dave Frecklington was in charge and lastly, Brodie Litchfield appeared under Liam King and Curtis Woodhouse to complete the quintet.
Six yellows and 
red in their last outing mean that Basford will be without midfielder Jack Thomas. Meanwhile Bobby Johnson returns from a one game ban of his own, looking to give new boss Russ Wilcox something of a selection headache. A headache Wilcox is doubtless happy to have.
Speaking ahead of the game Wilcox was clearly delighted with his first ten days in the hotseat:
"It has been a really positive start, and now we are determined to back it up against Basford on Saturday. We are under no illusions that it is going to be a tough game. League positions don't matter, but if you get behind us, like with the 4-1 win against Atherton last week, it showed what you could give and how hard we worked. Together there is every opportunity that we can back up last weekend's result."
The Match
Basford United
Greenwich Avenue
Basford
Nottingham
NG6 0LD
Gate prices for the game, see some great value for money, in probably the cheapest of away days this season, so what are you waiting for? Adults are priced at £10, concessions £8, under 16s and Students £3 and a family of 4 (must include one U16) £25. And with live football showing in the new look Club House, why not make a day of it, and support Russ Wilcox's Holy Blues!
Elsewhere
In a shorter than normal Pitching In Northern Premier League fixture list for today, due to teams being involved in the Emirates FA Cup, or teams' scheduled opponents still in the knock out competition - we've only got four other league games on the agenda.
Ilkeston Town vs Bamber Bridge
Marske United vs Matlock Town
Stafford Rangers vs Bradford Park Avenue
Workington AFC vs FC United of Manchester
The Northern Premier League sides featuring in the cup, including four all NPL clashes:
Blyth Spartans vs Worksop Town
Hyde United vs Marine
Lancaster City vs Ashton United
Macclesfield vs Warrington Rylands
Whitby Town vs Morpeth
Match Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)