After losing their last two games 3-0, FC United of Manchester are a ‘wounded animal’ and the Holy Blues will be looking to add further insult to injury. We find ourselves one point behind our opponents with a game in hand and this could be the best time to pounce. Our opponents have conceded the most goals out of every team outside the bottom three, conceding 53 goals in the league thus far. Their defensive record is a clear sign to their vulnerabilities at the back which our boys will be looking to take advantage of. Often seen as prime Kevin Keegan - Newcastle United - goal scoring has been the Red Rebels' Achilles heel this time around.

Nineteen points from twelve games has seen FCUM win half their games at home, drawing once, but losing five games on home turf. That record. Scoring 18, but conceding 20 perhaps has our hosts as slight favourites, particularly considering our away record that has recently improved to see us pick up 7 points from the last six games. A draw against high-flying Hyde & victories over Workington & Guiseley show Russ Wilcox's men are heading in the right direction! Another positive showing in Manchester on Saturday & we can all enjoy our weekend, ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Derbyshire!

It hasn't been the greatest of ten days from an FC United point of view, last Friday, the Rebels were deducted a point for fielding an incorrectly re-registered player, after he had signed a contract. This misdemeanor having taken place back in November, but only coming into affect a couple of months later- and inadvertently bringing the two sides closer together in the standings.

Ahead of the game, boss Russ Wilcox insisted, "We are all looking forward to the game on Saturday. No game for three weeks has hopefully fully charged the batteries and we are ready for the challenge that lies ahead. Three away games in a week will be tough, but the group are hungry to get going again." "Please travel to Manchester this weekend if you can. Your support is invaluable." was the rally call from the man in charge.

There is no segregation in place for this fixture. Admission for this one is set at £13 Adults, £9 Concessions (over 60s, in receipt of Income Support/ Universal Credit, or a Student with a valid NUS Card0, Under 18s £3 and Under 5s - Free. Cash, or card payment is accepted at Broadhurst Park, with the turnstiles open from 1pm. Pop the postcode in your Sat Nav (M40 0FJ), leave plenty of time - safe travels & see you at the game!

Not able to make it to the game? Rob will keep you abreast of the action courtesy of Gainsborough Trinity Radio's Mixlr Station. Broadcast live from Broadhurst Park from just before kick off. Please drop a message to let him know you are listening along! The commentary can be found here on the website or by heading straight over to the Mixlr Channel. Subscribe, and get a notification straight to your email that lets you know when the radio is on air!

With three away games in a hectic ten day period, Wilcox's men will be hopeful of coming back with three points, back to the Northolme. FCUM away is followed quickly by Matlock Town away on Tuesday night, before a visit to Atherton Collieries Skuna Stadium a week on Saturday. Three wins from three would certainly have the new Chairman purring with delight!

Elsewhere

Worksop & Radcliffe are both at home. In what appear to be tricky challenges against sides competing in and around them for positions at the top. There are plenty of other interesting match ups that make up an entertaining afternoon's Pitching In Northern Premier League clashes!

Atherton Collieries vs Morpeth Town
Hyde United vs Workington AFC
Ilkeston Town vs Marine
Lancaster City vs Matlock Town
Macclesfield vs Bamber Bridge
Radcliffe vs Guiseley
Warrington Rylands vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
Whitby Town vs Basford United
Worksop Town vs Ashton United

Preview written by Rob Hughes & James Whitbread)