Charlton Athletic make the long trip to Gateshead in the FA Cup second round looking to extend their excellent start under Johnnie Jackson.
While the Addicks sit in 15th position in League One, Gateshead currently occupy fifth spot in the National League North.
Match preview
Despite having guided Charlton to six wins from 10 matches, Jackson remains in caretaker charge, leaving him with work to do to seal the job on a permanent basis.
Although it could be perceived that it is only a matter of time, last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town could throw a spanner in the works, the result only giving encouragement to one of their relegation rivals.
Now sitting six points above the bottom four, Charlton and Jackson will hope that they can start looking upwards, a playoff bid not out of the question if they can enjoy a strong end to the year.
On Tuesday night, they made further progress in the EFL Trophy, recording a 2-1 victory over an Aston Villa Under-23s side which featured players who have played in the Premier League this season.
Jayden Stockley got on the scoresheet during that contest, his first goal for a month having served a suspension during the second half of November.
Gateshead's main ambition this season is to secure a return to the National League, and Mike Williamson will be delighted with their start.
Eight victories have been recorded from 12 matches, the North-East outfit sitting seven points adrift of top spot with three games in hand.
On a negative note, they lost to pacesetters AFC Fylde in the FA Trophy, a four-match winning streak in all competitions coming to an end courtesy of a goal 16 minutes from time.
While Charlton have only been required to overcome Havant & Waterlooville to reach the second round, Gateshead have already played six times.
After beating Bradford Park Avenue and Runcorn Linnets in the early rounds, replays were required to see off Marske United and Altrincham.
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Team News
Having come through 65 minutes in midweek, Stockley is pushing for an opportunity back in the Charlton side for this game.
However, Jackson changed his entire starting lineup for that fixture, potentially an indication that he wants to begin with the team which succumbed to a late defeat at Shrewsbury.
Diallang Jaiyesimi is pushing for a recall on the flank ahead of Corey Blackett-Taylor.
Gateshead midfielder Elliot Forbes needed to be withdrawn during the first half last weekend, leaving him as a major doubt for this contest.
Alex Nicholson and Dan Ward are both options for Williamson, depending on how he sets up against higher-level opposition.
Connor Pani made his first senior start in the last game, and Williamson must decide whether to start the youngster in a game of this magnitude.
Gateshead possible starting lineup:
Chapman; Tinkler, Storey, Jacob, Wombwell, Hunter, Ward, Pani, Williams, Campbell, Blackett
Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:
MacGillivray; Clare, Famewo, Purrington; Blackett-Taylor, Lee, Dobson, Gilbey, Souare; Washington, Davison
We say: Gateshead 1-4 Charlton Athletic
Home advantage on a cold Friday night gives Gateshead a real chance of pulling off a famous victory over the former Premier League club. Nevertheless, that does not tempt us into predicting a win for the non-league side, with Charlton's superior quality in all areas of the pitch likely to help them to a routine victory.
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