Altrincham came up to the Conference through the play-offs after finishing fifth in the Conference North last season and were listed as relegation favourites by most bookmakers and pundits, but the Lancashire club come to Edgar Street on the back of three straight wins including an impressive 2-0 victory at home to Morecambe.
Rumoured to be operating on the smallest budget in the Conference, Altrincham have assembled a 26 man squad with considerable Conference experience for their first campaign at this level for five years.
Manager Graham Heathcote has spent most of the last 33 years at Altrincham as player, coach, and manager, notably taking part in several FA Cup Giantkillings of the 70's and 80's, and winning the Unibond league in 1999 as coach as well as last season's unlikely play off success.
With star summer signing ex-Accrington striker Lutel James injured, Colin Little has led the line with two goals so far this season. The former Crewe man, with over 200 Football League appearances under his belt, struck 38 goals last season in 56 appearances. One player likely to be missing from Saturday's line up will be striker Rod Thornley. Injury has limited his first team opportunities this season, but the striker is likely to be pursuing his other career as England team masseur this weekend.
Early match odds (bet365): Hereford 1/2, Draw 5/2, Altrincham 5/1