Christmas time is a trying time in the world of football. It doesn't help when the Football League slams shut the window, which appears to be the only route out of the mess Keith Curle finds himself in, ahead of the visit of Peterborough United.

The Blues were victorious upon their recent visit to London Road, where Stewart Drummond grabbed a second-half winner over Mark Wright's side.

However, Keith Curle must now comprehend with the abundance of injuries and ilnesses to his threadbare squad - one of the smallest in the league - at a torrential time.

Gregg Blundell was informed on Thursday that it will take a further two weeks for the injury threat in his thigh to disappear, whilst defender Shaun Hessey is expected to be out with a knee problem.

Abdul El Kholti went missing against Rochdale with an injury, but will probably be drafted back in time to atleast make the bench. Phil Bolland and Tom Curtis will definitely be in the stands after each collecting their 5th yellow card - a one match suspension - against Rochdale

And to top it off, Chris McKenzie was taken ill on Firday with a virus, clearing the way for reserve goalkeeper Ryan Brookfield to make his first-team debut. Untested Brookfield, brought up through the youth ranks, has yet appear in the first XI.

peterborough news

Striker James Quinn could be in the Peterborough squad after returning from his loan spell at Bristol City.

Lee Thorpe has returned to Swansea after his loan spell ended and on-loan Jamie Hand could be given only his fourth league start of the season.

chestercity.tk predicts

Keith Curle's squad requires a big shake-up in the absence of so many players.

Paul Rutherford is likely to be given his debut in goal, whilst Luke Dimech is first in line to set camp in central defence, following Phil Bolland's suspension. Carl Regan, Scott McNiven and Dave Artell are the likely partners in defence.

In midfield, Ben Davies and Stewart Drummond appear to have kept fit, but in the absence of Tom Curtis, City's remaining centre midfielder is Justin Walker, who has yet to find himself in Curle's plans this season.

Marcus Richardson, Ryan Lowe and Michael Branch will be expected to supply the ammunition and the goals, as they alternate their attacking/midfield roles.

From the bench, Curle can choose from Abdul El Kholti, Stephen Vaughan, Craig Dove, Tom Curle, and youngster Paul Rutherford may get a call up to the first team.

curle's preview

I don’t think people realise that we’re sixth in the league – we take on board that we haven’t had a win in our last four games which is disappointing – but we’re in sixth position on merit.

Nobody has given us a back pass, an own goal, or a silly penalty decision – everything we’ve got we’ve had to work for.

In the changing room I know I have a hard-working bunch of lads with great enthusiasm and with a desire to do well.

We’ve had a defeat, we’ve had two draws, so the next result on the agenda is a home win.

I think tomorrow’s game will be a cracking game of football that will have an obvious edge to it on and off the field.

wright's preview

Keith Curle has done a great job at Chester, he has taken them forward and they are in the play-off positions at this moment in time.

They have done very well for themselves and I think they could be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

I think myself and Steve Bleasdale would be disappointed if we didn't get a good reception because of the work we did at Chester, but I have got thick skin and you have to take the rough with the smooth. If they are going to make it hostile, so be it.

It is a game both clubs want to win. It would be great to receive a good response from the supporters for what we achieved, but we take nothing for granted and we don't expect too much.'