City's Elite Development Squad will look to extend their lead at the top of the table this evening as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Hyde's Ewen Fields (kick-off 7pm).

Andy Welsh’s side currently stand one point clear of second-placed Newcastle in the Barclays Premier Reserve League Northern Group A with one game in hand.

A win this evening would move the Blues a step closer to the play-offs at the end of April, though they will be withoomut long-term absentees Gai Assulin, Gunnar Nielsen and Tom Smith.

Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely, James Poole, Joan Roman and Ryan McGivern are all nearing fitness though this evening’s game may come too soon for them.

Rovers have only won once on their travels this season and Welsh will be keen for his team to make it three league wins on the bounce tonight and John Guidetti will look to maintain his record of a goal-per-game at EDS level - he’s bagged 12 in 12 games so far.