In the early afternoon kick-off, Rochdale hosts mid-table Gillingham in a game that Brian Barry-Murphy can not afford to lose. With one win in their last five matches, Rochdale are teetering on the edge of the relegation zone and another loss could see them fall into it this weekend. The amount of goals that Rochdale are conceding is cause for concern, however, Gillingham have won as many as they have lost, and are there to be got at with their current goal difference.
After last weekend’s seven-goal thriller against Greate Manchester neighbours Wigan Athletic, Accrington Stanley will be looking to make amends and get back to winning ways. Blackpool are in a good vein of form themselves recently with only one loss in their last five matches. A result here ahead of the busy Christmas schedule could see Accrington Stanley push for the play-off places into early 2021.
A resurgent Wigan Athletic will be looking to continue their string of good performances recently with another win over a playoff place potential. Last week’s win will give them the confidence they need to push on, as they look to get out of the relegation zone; especially with the talk of new owners on the horizon.
In to League Two and Ian Evatt’s side, Bolton Wanderers will be looking to get back to winning ways as soon as possible after another slump in results over recent weeks. They host a Tranmere Rovers side who are also in a bad run of form. Tranmere could be the perfect opposition to get themselves back to winning ways ahead of the Christmas schedule, especially as favourites Bolton don’t seem to be showing any signs of fulfilling their pre-season potential.
Playoff hopefuls Salford City will be aiming to get an easy victory over newly-promoted Harrogate Town in this weekend’s match. They travel over to Yorkshire looking for three points they so desperately need after another couple of games without a win. If Richie Wellens side are to push for any sort of title or promotion charge, these are the type of games that need to be won.
Oldham Athletic, on the other hand, are the only in-form Greater Manchester team in League Two at present. They travel to a Newport County side who currently sit on top of the League Two table, having only lost three games all season, one being last weekend. Oldham could be the team that gives them their fourth defeat of the season, as they themselves, push towards an unlikely play-off place. Harry Kewell seemed to be turning the tide at Boundary Park.
There is FA Trophy action for National League teams Altrincham and Stockport County. With them both flying in the league, they will be hoping to mirror that against their opponents. Stockport host National League North side Guiseley, who currently sit outside the relegation zone. On paper, this should be an easy win for Stockport County, with them looking to bounce back after a midweek defeat at the hands of Notts County. Altrincham also plays a National League North side, promotion hopefuls Chester now host the match, in a change of grounds. This by no means will be an easy match for Altrincham, as Chester will provide tough opposition. With them both looking to go through to the second round of the FA Trophy.
