Why should I watch..?

To see if Witton can continue an improved run of form away from Wincham Park.

Carl Macauley’s men are unbeaten in their past three games on the road with a 2-1 success at Whitby sandwiched by impressive draws at Stourbridge (0-0) and Shaw Lane (1-1).

They travel south tomorrow buoyed by the knowledge that they have beaten back-markers Sutton Coldfield already this season.

However the Royals have enjoyed an upturn in fortune after registering successive wins against Stalybridge and Farsley Celtic in their past two Northern Premier League fixtures.

They also squeezed past Walsall after a penalty shoot-out in the Walsall Senior Cup in midweek.

What they’ve said

“We’ll show Sutton Coldfield respect in the same way we do for every opponent.

“They’ve enjoyed a couple of wins recently, and dipping into the loan market to strengthen their squad appears to have had an initial impact.

“I’m expecting a tough game against them.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

Witton are targeting a first league double of the campaign after prevailing in the teams’ previous meeting back in August

Witton team news

Anthony Gardner (ankle) and Paul Williams (knee) are ruled out with injuries that will prevent them from playing again until the middle of next month.

Anthony Brown (knee) is closer to a return, but is unlikely to be risked ahead of a Boxing Day duel with Warrington at Wincham Park.

Cesaire Lingbouba should be available.

Man to keep an eye on

Rob Hopley

Where will Carl Macauley deploy him?

The front man switched to a role in defence for a trip to Shaw Lane last weekend, when he helped Witton to secure a creditable 1-1 draw.

With Albion short on cover in defence following Anthony Gardner’s injury in the same game, the manager must decide whether to stick with a formula that worked.

Form guide (past six in league)

Sutton W W L L L L

Witton D L W D D L

Most recent meetings

Witton 1-0 Sutton Coldfield (NPL Premier, August 19 2017)

Odds (SKY Bet)

Sutton 7/2

Draw 14/5

Witton 4/7

Essential information

When Saturday, December 23

Kick-off 3pm

Address Central Ground, Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield B72 1NL

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 15s £1

Parking Restricted at the ground to officials and named guests