Manager Steve King hopes some of Deal’s young players can help them pull off a surprise result on Saturday.
The Hoops travel to play-off chasing Isthmian South East side Merstham, aiming to complete the double over the Moatsiders after they edged a seven-goal game in mid-October.
But King’s mid-table men, on a three-game losing run, will be without suspended defensive duo Josh Vincent and Jack Paxman alongside various injured players. But key midfielder Macca Murray is expected to make his comeback after missing last weekend’s 3-1 loss against Erith Town due to a minor knock.
The Deal boss has moved to fill the void left by Vincent and Paxman in part with the return of youngster Zak Hammond from a dual-registration spell at Kennington.
King said: “I’ve been there previously, but we have never been as a team. So, it’s a new place for us to go and we’re looking forward to that.
“We managed to beat them at home, but they’re in good form and they’re a good side. It’s going to be tough.
“But there’s no reason why we cannot get a result. I’m looking forward to seeing how some of the youngsters do.
“Hopefully, they step up for the game.”
King is trying to further bolster the Hoops’ depleted ranks ahead of the game at Weldon Way, although doing so is proving far easier said than done.
“We’re looking around and having a few conversations,” he said. “But I’m sure people appreciate that it’s difficult to bring players in without spending a lot of money at this stage of the season.
“We’re investigating some dual-registration moves. It’s not easy, especially when you don’t have a lot left to play for this season.
“After Saturday, we will have a weekend off to take stock again, but we will see what we can do for Saturday if we can.”
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