Bucks prepare to face an aerial bombardment

Curtis Tilt is suspended for the visit of former Bucks boss Watson's Stalybridge Celtic and Graham Hutchison is rated 50-50 after sustaining a knee injury in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Boston.

That leaves Mark Lees, who has had to be content with a place on the bench recently, in line for a recall at right back as Tilt sits out one game.

"'Hutch' took a knock to his knee against Boston which won't be a long-term problem but it might be enough to keep him out this weekend," said Smith.

"It's a blow losing Curtis because after a ropey first game when the occasion got to him, he's been tremendous since.

"But in fairness he's carrying a shoulder injury and the rest won't do him any harm.

"Mark Lees is the other option because he's played there for much of the season and I'd have no qualms about playing him."

Watson is making his first return to the New Bucks Head since leaving last December.

Ninth-placed Stalybridge are on a five-match unbeaten run having taken 11 points from their last five games to lie three points off the play-off zone.

Watson is known for his uncompromising teams and Smith believes his side will be prepared for the rough stuff.

"If we don't stand up to the aerial stuff we'll be punished but we know what to expect and we're ready for it," he said.

"They're doing well and are on an unbeaten run. What you see is what you get from Liam's teams.

"They'll be very committed and we have to be ready for that and I'd like to think we'll be ready for a battle."

Sean Clancy, who played under Watson at Telford, could be on penalty duty if he shakes off a hamstring niggle after Connor McCarthy's effort was saved last week.