Why should I watch..?

To see if Barnton can pull off what would be a shock victory against a home team that has promotion as an aim this season.

The Villagers sit bottom of the North West Counties League Premier Division after winning only once in the first-half of the campaign.

However they have scored at an average of almost two goals a game.

Linnets are unbeaten in the league this term in front of their own supporters, and have netted 13 times in their past three games there – all of them ending in victory.

They start the weekend in third position although leaders Runcorn Town, who they face next on Boxing Day, are only a point better off.

What they’ve said

“Someone said to me it’s the perfect game before a derby, but it’s quite the opposite for me.

“Barnton are at the bottom of the table, but they have scored a lot of goals and we certainly won’t be overlooking them.

“They’ve have a great forward in Chris Smith; he’s one of the league’s leading goal-scorers.”

Michael Ellison, Runcorn Linnets manager

“The lads should need no motivation for this fixture and it’s not a time to be feeling sorry for ourselves because our situation isn’t going to change unless we put some positivity into our performances.

“Obviously we’d prefer to go to Runcorn with everybody available but we haven’t and so I’ll be looking for us to show some character against quality opposition.

“With the position we’re in, we can’t show fear.”

Steve Lloyd, Barnton manager

Numbers game

Barnton are still to keep a clean-sheet this season, although they know where the net is at the other end of the field after scoring in 11 successive league matches

Man to keep an eye on

George Riley

After spells with both Winsford United and Northwich Victoria this season, the midfielder hopes to establish himself with the Villagers.

He could make his debut after completing a transfer from the latter earlier this week.

Barnton team news

Chris Bandell and Jordan Stafford are both ruled out by suspension following their dismissals in a 6-4 defeat away to Squires Gate last time out.

Steve Lloyd’s options are restricted too by injuries to Andy Alston, Josh Kavanagh and Jack Woolley although Josh Crofts, Jack Irlam, James McShane and Chris Yearsley are fit to return.

George Riley could make his debut in midfield after completing a move from Northwich Victoria.

Form guide (past six in league)

Linnets W W W L D W

Barnton L L L L W L

Previous meetings

Linnets 5-2 Barnton (NWCFL Premier Division, October 25 2016)

Barnton 0-4 Linnets (NWCFL Premier Division, September 5 2016)

Essential information

When Saturday, December 23

Kick-off 3pm

Address Millbank Linnets Stadium, Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn WA7 6HP

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £1 (free if with paying adult)

Parking Available for free at the ground