Middlesbrough under-21s will be Saturday's visitors to the Jakemans Community Stadium (kick-off 1.00pm) in the opening Group D fixture of the National League Cup.

Morecambe's ongoing suspension from National League necessitated the postponement of the scheduled opening day fixture – with the Pilgrims now entertaining Boro's youngsters instead.

United boss Graham Coughlan will check on the fitness of defenders Jordan Cropper and Jacob Scott, midfielder Liam Waldock and striker Lenell John-Lewis, who have all played intermittent parts over recent weeks with a variety of knocks and niggles.

Should Saturday's fixture remain level at the end of normal time, a penalty shootout will take place for an extra point – just as it did after the 1-1 draw between the sides in January, with United eventually prevailing on penalties.

The club are only opening the Acorn Taxis (West) Stand for this fixture – with tickets on sale here or contactless payments available on the turnstiles.

The shuttle bus service is not running for this fixture – nor the visit of Leeds United on Tuesday – but will be back in action, as normal, for the visit of FC Halifax Town on Tuesday August 19.

Car park season pass holders can utilise their normal spaces.