Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb looks ahead to National League South home match against Chelmsford City
05:00, 17 January 2023
updated: 08:44, 17 January 2023
Dennis Kutrieb knows his Ebbsfleet side will face another stiff test of their title-chasing credentials tonight.
The Fleet will host fifth-placed Chelmsford at Stonebridge Road, having responded after four defeats in a row with back-to-back victories.
Another three points will move second-placed Ebbsfleet level with Dartford in the first of three league fixtures they have in hand on them.
“They’re a very strong team as well,” said Ebbsfleet’s boss on Chelmsford, after their 2-1 derby victory on Saturday at Dover.
“It’ll be slightly different to Saturday but it’s a big challenge again. I’m really looking forward to Tuesday because this [their victory at Dover] could - and should - give us a confidence boost.
“As I’ve said the whole time, we have a big January ahead of us.”
It’s a quick turnaround for the Fleet after their hard-fought triumph at Crabble, although Kutrieb has hinted he may welcome back some personnel who have been absent in recent games for the clash against the Essex club. They are due to play seven league matches in the month.
He said: “For Chelmsford, it’s the same.
"They played at York [losing 5-4 on penalties in the FA Trophy after a 1-1 draw]. So for everyone, it’s the same.
“But we’ll have a few faces [back], so that might be an advantage.”
Wing-back Omari Sterling-James was substituted in the first half at Dover but Fleet’s boss expects he'll have recovered in time for the Chelmsford game.
