Some upsets can be expected in opening round of Milan Lakoseljac Memorial Trophy competition

There are five south versus north clashes in tomorrow’s opening round of the Milan Lakoseljac Memorial Trophy State-wide competition, as well three all-southern games.

With the exception of the Christian United versus University game at Sherburd Park, which kicks off at noon, all the other ties begin at 2pm.

The big names in Tasmanian football do not come into the action until the next round.

There are some intriguing matches in store, with three lower division sides taking on top-flight opponents.

University may not have things all their own way against Division One outfit Christian United.

Christian did well to come back and draw against Northern Suburbs DOSA in their league match last weekend and it is this tenacity that could trouble University.

University have delayed their team selection until the very last minute and Saturday’s 5-1 loss at home to Hobart Olympic will have dented the Students’ morale.

“We’ve got 300 registered players, but are having problems with injuries and unavailability for this game,” said University coach, Scott Gallacher.

The scene is set for a giant-killing feat, therefore, as David meets Goliath in this battle.

The Launceston United and Beachside match should be very close and home-ground advantage could be a factor.

Launceston will be without their experienced defender Robbie Murray, who has a groin strain.

“We’re starting to settle down as a team after not travelling well initially, so we’re hopeful of a win,” said Launceston United coach, Brian Dracup.

“We’re familiar with some of their experienced players such as Colin Shepherd.”

Beachside will miss Colin Wain, who is in Adelaide, and Luke Atkins, who is on honeymoon.

It will be the final game for Kurt De Jong before he heads overseas.

Kingborough Lions United will be without goalkeeper Jason Voss for the trip to Windsor Park in Launceston to take on Riverside Olympic.

Voss suffered a back injury in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to Glenorchy Knights and will be replaced by David Leamey.

Marc Iseli will be on a fishing trip and his replacement is likely to be Ross Hinkley.

Riverside lost 3-1 at home to Prospect Knights on Saturday and will find the going tough against the southerners.

Clarence United entertain Launceston City at Wentworth Park, which has not proved a happy hunting ground for the northerners in seasons past.

They lost the State League title in a match there some years ago when a win is all they needed.

Clarence will still be without goalkeeper Michael Moschogianis, but Luke Cripps may be back.

Clarence suffered a setback in the league on Saturday when they went down 2-1 away to New Town Eagles, a result that cost them top spot on the ladder.

Launceston City will be missing several key players and will send a very young side south.

Michael Beechey, one of their most experienced players is unavailable. He made a comeback this season after missing all of last year.

Josh Duncan is also out because of a hamstring injury, as is Sam Morley because of a knee injury.

The experienced Drew McNeill is suspended after collecting two yellow cards on Saturday in the 2-1 away win over Burnie United.

UK import Matthew Rainier and Richard Price-Brown are also unavailable.

Coach Peter Savill, the former Leeds United player, is sure to draft in some promising young guns and get the best out of them.

New Town Eagles, fresh from their win over Clarence, host Burnie United at Clare Street.

Eagles will rest several players and coach George Krambousanos will look at some of his more promising reserve players.

He is concentrating on the league and this cup competition is secondary in his plans.

“Some of our players need a rest and we decided that’s what we’d do even before the Clarence game,” Krambousanos said.

“Chris Wass is carrying an injury, as is Wade Savage, and I’ll give Jacob Malakoff a rest, too.

“I still think we can win this one, though.”

Burnie will be without centre-forward Aston Johnson, who has an ankle injury.

“We’ll still have a strong squad and bring in some of our under-18s,” said Burnie United coach, Ray Parke.

“Eagles seem to be back on track, but we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”

Kingston Cannons will have their work cut out against Ulverstone at Sherburd Park.

Ulverstone will be without two players, goalkeeper Chris Smith, who is in Melbourne, and captain Adrian Beard, who has a toe injury.

Steven Arthur will play in goal, while vice-captain Brian Tabrett will make his first appearance of the season in place of the skipper.

“I’m afraid I don’t know much about the Cannons at all, but we’ll do our best,” said Ulverstone coach, Kim Rigby.

Nelson Eastern Suburbs should easily overcome Hobart United away at Pontville, while the match of the round could be the Taroona versus Metro clash at Kelvedon Park.

Metro should have Scottish midfielder Colin Sweeney back from suspension.

Taroona’s Ben Horgan said: “Selecting the team for the State-wide Cup game against Metro on Monday will be difficult because a few players will struggle to back up for a second game in three days.

“I’m not sure why FFT have rostered things this way since we don’t have a league game between the 19th of April and the 16th of May.

“Surely one of the games could have been played over that period instead.

“As it is, I won’t be able to finalise the team until I see how everyone has pulled up from Saturday’s game, but Stefano Flonta and Duncan Carey are two experienced senior players who I can bring into the squad if need be.

“Daniel Palmer also returned to training this week after getting over an ankle injury and he is a chance for Monday’s game as well.”