FC Isle of Man host AFC Liverpool in final home game of 2022

Merseyside club have already beaten Ravens twice this season

FC Isle of Man face a tough task to bounce back from defeat last weekend when they host high-flying AFC Liverpool in the NWCFL Premier Division tomorrow evening (17 December).

In their final home game of 2022, a result for the Ravens could see them go as many as 14 points clear of the relegation zone.

However they face an AFC Liverpool side who've they've already lost to twice in league and cup competitions so far this season.

FC Isle of Man's interim manager, Paul Jones, admits last weekend's result was disappointing, but is confident his team has the ability to hurt their upcoming opponents:

Last Saturday's 3-2 home loss to Litherland REMYCA denied FC Isle of Man the chance to record three straight wins for the first time this season.

Prior to that, the Manx side had recorded important wins at home to Charnock Richard (26 November) and away at Barnoldswick Town (3 December).

Currently, FC Isle of Man sit 18th in the NWCFL Premier Division standings on 23 points, eleven points clear of the relegation zone.

In stark contrast, AFC Liverpool sit fourth in the division on 40 points having played one game fewer than the Ravens.

The Merseyside outfit have already faced FC Isle of Man twice this season.

They defeated the Island side 5-2 at The Marine Travel Arena in the league on 29 August, before beating FC Isle of Man 1-0 in the first round of the Macron Cup at the same venue on 16 October.

FC Isle of Man vs AFC Liverpool takes place at The Bowl this Saturday (17 December), kicking-off at 6pm.

Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our AM1368 and Digital platforms.

FC Isle of Man team news

Goalkeeper James Rice returns to the squad after being absent through illness last weekend, meanwhile there's a first call-up of the season for Sam Baines into Paul Jones' side.

Rice and fellow stopper Dean Kearns are both included to battle for the no.1 jersey.

Regulars Jacob Crook and Luke Murray are also unavailable this weekend.

FC Isle of Man squad vs AFC Liverpool

Dean Kearns, James Rice, Tom Shimmin, Alex Maitland, Jack McVey, Jamie Corlett, Karl Clark, Sam Baines, Lee Gale, Tiernan Garvey, Charlie Higgins, Dominic McHarrie-Brennan, Kyle Watson, Ste Whitley, Tom Creer, Furo Davies