
For the sixth time in their 101-year history, York City have the opportunity to make it through the Fourth Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.
With a comfortable mid-table position settled on in the Vanarama National League, there's no reason why David Webb's side shouldn't aim in the competition.
The Minstermen come into this fixture off the back of a 4-1 thrashing of Maidstone in the league, as new man Shaqai Forde grabbed a hat-trick on his debut.
Their FA Trophy campaign began brightly less than three weeks earlier, as City put five past Blyth to earn a tie against Chelmsford.
On the topic of the Clarets, they've had a decent start to the season, but have slipped off as of late.
Sitting fourth in the National League South, Chelmsford City went the first 13 games with only one defeat, but have only won once in their last five.
Away from the league, the Essex outfit have fared well, scoring a combined eleven goals in two qualifying rounds before easing past National League side Aldershot in the FA Cup, then forcing a replay with Barnet, which they went on to narrowly lose.
The Trophy has also been a breath of fresh air for the Clarets, progressing with 2-1 wins over Romford and Wealdstone. They visit the LNER Community Stadium of Saturday in the hope that they can upset a third fifth tier club.
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Team News
Key winger Maziar Kouhyar, who helped the Minstermen to promotion last season, remains out with an injury, and a predicted return set for late January.
Gus Mafuta and Luke James both have calf problems and will likely be forced to sit out for a further matchday.
At left-back, Alex Whittle is beginning to come closer to a start, returning to the squad and coming on as a late substitute in the win over Maidstone.
Olly Dyson has been sidelined for a short while now due to flu, but is now back in training and should be available for selection this weekend.
The backline has too been affected by the same issue with Fraser Kerr - he has been suffering from illness over the last couple of weeks and may be back for Chelmsford, dependant on his match fitness.
New signing Ollie Tanner will be hoping for a start, and is available to play after joining on loan from Cardiff in mid-week.
Thursday's announcement regarding goalkeeper Ryan Whitley means he will head out on loan to National League North outfit Boston United, and won't be in the matchday squad.
Chelmsford City
Unlike their opponents, the Clarets' injury list isn't too extensive.
Star man Ade Uluwo remains sidelined with an ongoing injury, which he picked up in early November.
Young goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has returned to Arsenal, whilst defender Frankie Terry’s loan from Colchester United has been extended until the end of the season.
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Likely Lineups
Ross; Duckworth, Kouogun, Sanders, Whittle; McLaughlin, Pybus, Hancox; Tanner, Duku, Forde
Chelmsford City
Marsden; Barnum-Bobb, Winfield, Terry, Vaz; Trotter, Ochieng; Blackwell, Jackson; Grant, Lodovica
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Key Players
Shaqai Forde (York City)
This might be the third consecutive time we have listed Forde as a key player, but there's a clear reason behind it.
His first appearance for the Minstermen was away at Gateshead, but even in the 23 minutes he was allowed, a last-minute equalizer came from it.
The young forward's home debut was on a whole new level - the 18-year-old managed to bag a hat-trick, the youngest player to ever do it for York City.
Simeon Jackson (Chelmsford City)
Chelmsford's centre-forward is a real veteran of the game, his career spanning across 15 clubs, in which he boasts 450+ appearances.
It seems at 35 years of age, Jackson might be settling with the Clarets for the ending of his long-lasting time in football.
The Canadian has been with the Essex-based side since 2021, and has six goals so far this campaign, across 24 appearances. He'll be looking to net his first in the FA Trophy this weekend.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
York City's Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Chelmsford City will be played at their multi-purpose LNER Community Stadium.
It will be the first ever meeting between the two sides.
What time is kickoff?
As with the majority of FA Trophy fixtures taking place on Saturday, the game will kick off at 3pm GMT.
How can I watch?
Tickets are available to purchase, but please note, only the Azuma (East) Stand and the South Stand are open for this fixture.
Although the game is not all-ticket, it is suggested to purchase online and in advance.
Due to the 3pm blackout in the United Kingdom, the match will not be streamed.
You can listen via BBC Radio York, York Hospital Radio or Radio Clarets.
Alternatively, both clubs and Jorvik Radio will be providing live updates via social media.

