This time, both clubs are enduring historic lows. The Tigers have barely registered a league victory since April, 2013. Bridge have won only once in their last 16 outings - their worst sequence of results since the 1997-98 campaign.
Few fans are brave enough to predict the result. The joke doing the rounds is that Stalybridge can’t score while Hyde can’t defend.
On Friday, Celtic will again be without leading scorer Liam Dickinson. He has been banned for four games and hit with a stiff fine for an incident following his red card against Lowestoft on November 11 and will not be available again until at least January 10. Ex-Hyde man Kevin Holsgrove is expected to deputise.
Defender Nathan Heath and striker George Lomax are also doubtful after missing last weekend’s 1-0 home reverse against Worcester through injury.
Stalybridge have signed 17-year-old attacking midfielder Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a youth loan from Sheffield United.
Three days ahead of the fixture Tigers boss Scott McNiven had no absences to report. Goalkeeper Conrad Hunt, who has given some highly impressive displays, has extended his loan from Everton for a second month.
Before the match, Hyde’s club chaplain, the Rev Jim Solomon of Hyde Community Church, will be encouraging the crowd to sing “Silent Night” in memory of the First World War Christmas truces of 1914. There will also be a minute’s silence.
Sports Chaplaincy UK and ecumenical group Hope 14 are planning to hold similar ceremonies at sports grounds across the country.