Nine points are still up for grabs as Washington United enter their final three games on the precipice of a Wearside League relegation battle. Their first of three matchdays on the road will be at Wolviston this afternoon - a beatable team by all accounts but one that should not be underestimated.

The Opposition

Wolviston are currently 11th in the table, but have played the least games of any team in the Wearside League at this point of the season.

For that reason, their bottom-half placement does them a disservice; Wolviston have won 11 of the 23 league games they've played and are unbeaten in their last five - defeating those in and around them, such as Richmond Town and Farringdon Detached.

Today's opponents will undoubtedly provide a stern test but the challenge is not an insurmountable one. Wolviston have still dropped points often enough this season to show that they could be beaten.

Team News

Manager Cam Thompson has had some decisions to make following last Saturday's 5-0 defeat at the hands of Chester-le-Street United. However, only 4 changes have ultimately been made to the 16 man squad travelling to Teesside today.

Missing out are James Chapman and Matheos Konstantinou, who are sidelined with injuries sustained in the previous match. Liam Bain will also be rested after picking up a knock during the week.

Brandon Ward, Fergus Hawes and Josh Moody will all return to the squad after missing out last week. There is also a first inclusion for Adriano Poci - the Australian midfielder signed for the Washy back in December as he was returning home for a few months and is now back on these shores, ready to challenge for a place in the team.

Player-coach Kallum Warne will have to settle for just the second-half of his job role this afternoon, as he returns to the dugout alongside Cam.

Around the Grounds

Every Wearside team is in league action this afternoon! Here are the other games to be played:

Darlington Town v Annfield Plain
Coxhoe Athletic v Shildon AFC Reserves
Darlington RA v Windscale
Durham Corinthians v Silksworth CW
Farringdon Detached v FC Hartlepool
Norton and Stockton Ancients v Chester-le-Street United
Shotton Colliery v Richmond Town
West Auckland Tunns v Gateshead Leam Rangers

Matchday Info

Wolviston have had to change the venue of today's fixture due to their usual pitch being waterlogged. Consequently, the match will be played on a local 3G pitch, with it's whereabouts to be confirmed.

If you're fancying the trip down the A19, we'll post an address on Twitter as soon as we're notified of one. Kick-off will be 1.45pm.