The North Lodge Park meeting between Formartine United and Cove Rangers is the pick of tonight’s three Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup first-round ties.
Both clubs opened their league campaign with victories but Formartine manager Kris Hunter knows this will be a particularly difficult assignment for his new-look side.
He said: “Cove started their league campaign with an impressive 5-2 win against Buckie Thistle. They are one of the favourites for the league, so we know that it is going to be a really difficult tie.
“However, we can also take heart from our excellent 1-0 home win over Forres Mechanics. It is another game under the players’ belts and a diversion from the league, although, for me, this cup competition has come way too early, just a week into the season.
“We have already started the season a week earlier and I think it would have been better if the Aberdeenshire Cup had started a month later but we’ve just got to accept it and get on with it.”
Formartine’s only absentee is former Peterhead midfielder Neil McVitie, who has a rib injury.
Cove manager John Sheran said: “Whenever you play local rivals like Formartine it is a big game, although this one has come really early in the season as both teams are still probably finding their feet.
“I’m sure the game will be full of drama and excitement, and everyone is raring to go.
“We will also be getting an early look at North Lodge Park, one of our temporary homes this term. Formartine have spent a lot of money on their pitch over the last couple of seasons. It was a wee bit heavy last season but I believe it is in perfect condition now.”
Cove welcome back Dean Lawrie, Michael Selfridge and Daryl Nicol.
Buckie Thistle head for Harlaw Park at Inverurie for the second time in four days.
On Saturday they lost 5-2 to Cove Rangers and tonight they are hoping to do better against Locos.
The Jags will make changes, with both Chris Hegarty and Paul Napier being added to the travelling squad, while Locos are expected to show faith in the men who went down narrowly 1-0 at Nairn last weekend.
Aberdeen University entertain Deveronvale at Keith Park, Hillhead.
Vale will have Kieran Heads and Stuart Leslie back in the squad after the pair missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Fraserburgh.