Altrincham will face a very tough test when they play host to Wrexham at the J Davidson Stadium in the National League on Saturday afternoon.
The home side are in 13th place but still only three points off the playoffs, while the visitors are having a fantastic season, currently in second place.
Match preview
Having finished 14th in the National League season, Altrincham are faring roughly how they would have been expected to, but they still have a chance of making a push for the playoffs if they can put together a good run.
However, the Robins will have to put in a much-improved performance from the reverse fixture against Saturday's opponents, losing 4-0 at the Racecourse Ground back in October.
Phil Parkinson's side were on a fantastic run up until recently, going 10 games without a defeat in all competitions, including a victory against Wrexham on penalties in the FA Trophy, although the Welsh side did field a lot of their reserve players.
Altrincham have started to come unstuck in recent fixtures after taking on some of the better teams in the league, losing 1-0 away at fourth-placed Chesterfield and 2-0 at home to Boreham Wood.
As such, Parkinson will be hoping for a response on Saturday, as the manager will know that his side have to be at their absolute best if they are going to get anything out of the game.
Wrexham are three points off the summit of the National League table, but they also have two games in hand on Notts County, with the fight for the title quickly becoming a two-horse race, given that they are 12 points clear of third place.
Home form has been absolutely vital for the Dragons, winning every single one of their 12 matches at the Racecourse Ground, and they came so close to defeating Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend.
The Welsh side went behind after just two minutes but fought back to lead 3-2 until the dying embers, before John Egan struck a 95th-minute equaliser to send the game to a replay at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.
Even though Phil Parkinson's side did not manage to get over the line, scoring three against a Championship side is a very promising sign, and it is a continuation of what they have done all season, netting an unbelievable 70 goals in 27 matches.
Wrexham are now on a run of 15 games undefeated in the National League, winning 13 of those, and so they should be full of confidence heading into Saturday's game, especially considering the 4-0 victory on home turf earlier this season.
Team News
© Reuters
Altrincham recently loaned out Liam Brockbank to Gloucester City, and the defender is facing a long time on the sidelines after damaging his knee ligaments, so Edward Jones should keep his place at left-back.
Elsewhere in the defence, Ross Barrows is undergoing a rehabilitation programme after his broken ankle, so Miles Welch-Hayes is the likely choice at right-back.
Matty Kosylo suffered an ACL injury prior to the start of the National League season, and while he is said to be making excellent progress in his recovery, the winger is not expected to return any time soon.
Moving onto Wrexham, centre-backs Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe were both forced off inside the first 10 minutes against Sheffield United, so Eoghan O'Connell could be poised for his first start, after arriving on deadline day.
Paul Mullin was on the scoresheet for the fifth game on the spin against Sheffield United, and so he is a sure-fire starter in attack, likely to be accompanied by Ollie Palmer, with the duo on a remarkable 33 goals between them in the National League this season.
Altrincham possible starting lineup:
Byrne; Welch-Hayes, Jones, Baines, Jones; Marriott, Lundstram, Egil, Conn-Clarke; Dinanga, Hulme
Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Howard; Forde, Cleworth, Tozer, O'Connell, McFadzean; Young, O'Connor, Lee; Mullin, Palmer
We say: Altrincham 0-3 Wrexham
Wrexham displayed that they have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with a promotion-chasing Championship side last weekend, so they should have no trouble sweeping Altrincham aside.
Mullin has been in inspired form, and he is likely to get in on the act again, in what should be a resounding victory for the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
