Why should I watch..?

To see what bearing a league meeting between the teams in midweek has on tomorrow’s FA Cup preliminary round clash.

Burscough landed a first blow with a 5-3 win, and led 4-0 after an hour, to record a first Premier Division success of the season.

The Linnets are improving after a sluggish start to the campaign, and eliminated 1874 Northwich from this competition following a penalty shoot-out in a replay.

Vics will be desperate to respond following a disappointing display on Tuesday, and they should be boosted by the return to action of experienced duo Brad Cooke and Rob Doran.

They celebrated an eye-catching victory at the previous stage when they saw off higher-ranked Widnes, also at the second attempt.

What they’ve said

“I’m looking to see a very different version of Northwich Victoria on Saturday after a very disappointing performance all-round in midweek.

“I think some people turned up, saw the state of the pitch, and didn’t fancy it.

“That’s can’t be an excuse though because it’s the same for both sides.”

Steve Wilkes, Northwich Victoria manager

Numbers game

Tuesday’s defeat at Victoria Park marks the fifth time Vics have conceded five goals in a game during Steve Wilkes’ tenure

It’s an important afternoon for…

Brandon Barski

Burscough’s main attacking threat comes through Terry Cummings on their right, and the left-hand side of Vics’ defence needs to counter it better than they did for an hour on Tuesday.

Barski played at left-back in the absence of Kurtis Monson, although he may return to the middle of the visitors’ defence if his teammate returns to the team.

Together they are tasked with preventing the Linnets’ wide-man from wreaking damage in the same way.

Vics team news

Kurtis Monson has had a niggle, but played for the final half-hour as a substitute on Tuesday and should start.

Rob Doran is expected to return to Vics’ attack, while Brian Matthews is away on holiday.

John Bennett (knee), Matty Clarke (leg) and Billy Webb (thigh) are all ruled out by injury, but Dominic Craig has recovered from a knock to his ankle.

Buxton have granted permission for Theo Brierley to play if selected. 

Route to this round

Burscough EPR (r) drew 3-3 with 1874 Northwich (a) (aet, won 4-2 on pens)

Vics EPR (r) bt Widnes 1-0 (h)

Last season’s meetings

Burscough 2-1 Vics (December 9 2017)

Vics 1-1 Burscough (September 2 2017)

Essential information

When Saturday, August 25

Kick off 3pm

Address Victoria Park, Bobby Langton Way, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0SD

Admission Adults £6, Concessions £4, Children £1 (or free with paying adult)

Parking None at the ground but available at Tesco superstore nearby

Replay date Wednesday August 29 (ko 7.45pm)

Prize money £2,890 (winners); £960 (losers)