Capital derby could well be a close affair

At present the two teams are almost inseparable in the Central Taxis Premier Division with City on 11 points and the Strollers on ten points from the same number of games and their two meetings earlier this season both ended in draws.

Keith Stewart, the Strollers joint manager, said: "We have been a bit nomadic as far as training has been concerned although we have trained well during the enforced break. It will be a novelty to get a game and it will be like having finished pre-season. In fact, we will be treating the game as if it is the first game of the season and for that reason I am pleased that it is a cup tie because our match fitness, like all other teams, could be a telling factor."

Lotfi Barberou and Liam Jack are back in contention and the Strollers' only absentee will be Peter Newby who is suspended.

In the Edinburgh City camp, joint manager Gary Jardine was able to organise a friendly against East Fife during the break and although they lost 2-1 it was a "worthwhile exercise," said Jardine.

"Generally, training has been a bit of a nightmare although we were accommodated on a few occasions at the Spartans Community Football Academy. Slowly but surely we are getting players back from injury and holidays and a huge bonus for us is that we have re-signed Kenny Ross who has had a break from football since the end of last season. Kenny gives us competition for places in several areas of the team.

"Our two games earlier this season against Civil Service were both very close and in the last meeting, although we dominated the first half and took the lead, we eventually drew and they could definitely have won the game."

City have Dougie Gair available after injury and former Spartans striker Jorge Vinelli has returned from Spain although midfield player Ian McFarland is suspended.