Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can continue to keep alive their hopes in the Macron Cup – a target set by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison.

And they make a short journey to Manchester as overwhelming favourites to progress after losing only one of their past 11 matches in all competitions.

They will be greeted by hosts who are searching for a manager after parting company with former Northwich Victoria boss Paul Moore last week.

That left Nigel Keogh in caretaker charge for a 3-0 defeat at Winsford United last weekend.

They have lost five of their past six matches in all competitions and sit bottom of the North West Counties League Premier Division table with just two wins to their name.

However they have proven difficult opponents for 1874; after losing the first six meetings between the teams, they have drawn three – and won the other – of the past four.

What they’ve said

"The changes at Abbey Hey over the past week or so make them impossible to predict.

"It's even more important than usual then to ensure we focus properly on what we need to do in order to reach the next round."

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

Curiously, 1874 Northwich have failed to win any of their past four meetings with Abbey Hey

1874 team news

New recruit Michael Koral will be part of the squad for the first time since completing a transfer from Winsford United.

Paul Connor is unavailable, while Jake Parker is ruled out by work commitments.

Danny Thomas is rated as doubtful because of an illness, while Aaron Burgess (ankle) and Kyle Riley (hand) are both ruled out by injury.

Sam Freakes, Ryan Jackson and Joe Woolley (all knee) are long-term absentees.

Form guide (past six games in all competitions)

Abbey Hey L L L W L L

1874 D W D W W L

Disciplinary

Abbey Hey Y38 R4

1874 Y33 R2

Last season in the Macron Cup

Abbey Hey Third Round

1874 Third Round

Route to this round

Abbey Hey R2 bt Atherton LR (h) 2-0; R1 bt Daisy Hill (h) 3-3 (won 6-5 on pens)

1874 R2 bt AFC Blackpool (h) 5-0; R1 bt Chadderton (a) 4-3

What happens if the scores are level after 90 minutes?

There is no replay, and no extra-time. The winner is determined by a penalty shoot-out.

Essential information

When Saturday, December 8

Kick-off 3pm

Address Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Gorton, Manchester M18 7HD

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3

Parking Available for free at the ground