Peter Taylor’s debut at the City helm could be threatened by the notorious state of Accrington’s pitch.

Stanley’s Crown Ground has suffered horrendously through the bad weather over the winter.

Seven Accrington home games have been called off this season. And Burnley, whose reserves also play there, have lost four because of the conditions.

Tuesday’s clash between the Clarets’ second string and Liverpool was the latest casualty, with standing water on some parts of the pitch forcing a postponement after the pitch had initially passed a lunchtime inspection.

The trouble is caused by poor drainage, particularly around the goalmouth at the away end and near the players’ tunnel.

Like City, Accrington hired specialist machinery in November to try to break up the soil beneath the ground and blow hot air through.

But the problems remain and today’s arctic blast over the other side of the Pennines, which left an inch of snow on the pitch, could make matters worse.

The forecast for the next 36 hours is for more icy weather, with temperatures possibly dropping as low as minus five tomorrow night.

City are building up for the game as normal, although Taylor will fit in an extra training session if it doesn’t go ahead.

He said: “It would give us a little bit longer to prepare for Rochdale. But we want to play.

“I’ve only been at the club a few days but I’ve been impressed with the players. They have responded very well.

“They’ve all worked hard in training and I’m looking forward to seeing them play.

“I’ve watched some DVDs and seen a few things but I’m delighted I've got three days' work with the players. And I’m very confident we will put in a good shift on Saturday.”

Taylor will pick from the same squad that Wayne Jacobs sent out for last week’s dire 0-0 draw with Grimsby. Omar Daley is still sidelined with a tight hamstring.

Taylor said: “I’m very careful with injuries, especially when they are hamstrings. I won’t be taking any chances there.

“If it means we can get Omar right for Darlington, then that’s what we’ll do.”