Israeli international Gai Assulin could make his first appearance in a City shirt this evening as the Elite Development Squad take on Newcastle United at Hyde, kick-off 7pm.

The former Barcelona youngster is on the bench for the visit of the current Barclays Premier Reserve League North leaders and is likely to play some part in tonight’s match.

There’s no Michael Johnson this evening though Andrea Mancini and Tom Smith are named in the starting line-up against Peter Beardsley’s side.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back after their Lancashire Senior Cup defeat to Liverpool last week and could move within three points of the leaders with a victory.

The squad is: Gonzalez, Smith, McGivern, Kay, Wabara, Veseli, Mancini, Tutte, Guidetti, McDermott, Chantler; Subs: Assulin, Johansen, Roman, Meppen-Walter

Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions – 5 loyalty points will be awarded for this fixture, though please remember your seasoncard.