Why should I watch..?

To see if 1874 Northwich can sign of for Christmas by extending an impressive run in the North West Counties League that has seen them lose only once since mid-September.

Successive postponements in the past week, when they had been due to take on Barnoldswick and then Whitchurch, risk disrupting the momentum they have gathered.

They will be greeted by hosts that have changed manager this week, with Phil Stafford taking over from James Olsen following his departure.

Litherland proved a difficult obstacle to overcome when the teams met in Winsford back in September, Scott McGowan’s first-half goal separating the sides after a close encounter.

What they’ve said

“It’s been a frustrating week or so with a couple of postponements, the one in  midweek that came too late for us to make alternative arrangements and train.

“One or two lads have had niggles that have cleared up now, so an enforced break has helped them.

“The game against Litherland earlier in the season was the first one we won, and we deserved to, but it was tight and I expect it to be similar again this weekend.

“They’ll be a little bit more difficult to predict too after changing their manager in midweek.”

Wayne Goodison, 1874 Northwich co-manager

Numbers game

1874 Northwich have lost only one of their past 11 North West Counties League fixtures

It’s an important afternoon for…

The visitors’ management team

It’s been rare for Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison to have as many selection dilemmas as they do this weekend.

Dane Rigby hasn’t let himself down during three appearances to date, and is an alternative to James Coates between the posts.

Paul Connor and Jordan Tucker are vying for a start at right-back, while Jack Irlam’s return following an enforced absence due to work commitments adds competition in the centre of the pitch.

Bowyer and Goodison will hope to strike the correct balance to ensure their side’s impressive run continues.

1874 team news

Danny Meadowcroft and Josh Winthrop are both unavailable and front man Kyle Riley (hand) isn’t yet ready to return.

Jake Parker won’t be included after work commitments prevented him from training this week, but fellow midfielder Jack Irlam is back in contention.

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

Form guide (past six league games)

Litherland L L W L D D

1874 D W D W W D

Discipline

Litherland Y44 R6

1874 Y34 R2

This season’s previous meeting

1874 1-0 Litherland: match report

Essential information

When Saturday, December 22

Kick-off 3pm

Address Litherland Sports Park, Boundary Road, Litherland, Liverpool L21 7LA

Admission Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 16s Free when accompanied by a paying adult

Parking Available at the sports facility