While Cole is sure to add a few more to the gate this evening, Johnson’s progress will certainly be of great interest to the home fans.
The popular midfielder managed to get 45 minutes under his belt against Rochdale last week and he will play against the Merseysiders at Hyde tonight in the Lancashire Senior Cup.
“Michael Johnson is going to start again and we’re all looking forward to that,” said EDS boss Andy Welsh.“The Liverpool game will be another test in terms of the level of football he plays, so he will definitely feature.
“We’re also looking to give more game-time to Alex Nimely, John Guidetti and Donal McDermott should be available, too. Donal’s been out for about three months but he got his first 70 minutes of football last week against Rochdale and we’ll be looking to give him a run out against Liverpool.”
David Ball could also play for City having returned recently from Swindon Town. Welsh revealed the young striker has several clubs chasing him for loan deals, but if nothing has progressed, he may be included.
“We’re just discussing David at the moment,” he said. “He’s been away at Watford for a few days so I’ll have a chat with him and decide what is best to do for his next step.
The more youngsters that go out on loan, the more space that gives within our EDS squad. I think Joan Roman and Harry Bunn will come up and train with the reserves more in the second part of this season and be involved a lot more in our squad
“Courtney Meppen Walter may have some involvement, too, as he’s been doing quite well at the Academy.”
City will progress to the semi-final of the competition if they see off Liverpool having already beaten Wigan in the previous round and Welsh is expecting an open game this evening with hopefully plenty of goals.
“You always get a really entertaining game with Liverpool,” he said. “They pass it really well and I think last year it finished 3-3 away from home and it was a really exciting game, especially with the likes of Joe Cole involved.
“It should be a fantastic match for our supporters to come down and watch and we hope to have a good crowd behind us, as we always do at Hyde.”
Ryan McGivern will also play having been recalled from his loan spell at Walsall.
Team: Gonzalez, Smith, McGivern, M Johnson, Wabara, Veseli, A Mancini, Tutte, Tchuimeni-Nimely, Guidetti, McDermott.Subs: Ball, Karius, Kay, Roman, Chantler.
Kick-off is 7pm and tickets are priced £3 and £1 for concessions. There will be 5 loyalty points added to attendees – but you must bring your seasoncard to the game with you. Tickets can be bought online at mcfc.co.uk/tickets.
