Sutherland certain new-look CALA Edinburgh are side to beat Inverleith

Newly-promoted CALA Edinburgh entertain Inverleith at Meggetland with several new faces in their line-up.

Sutherland will patrol midfield against Scottish internationals Andrew Sinclair and Derek Salmond. And the game will be a test for several of Edinburgh’s up-and-coming players who are likely to get a run-out.

The loss of Colin Johnstone, who has returned to Grange, means Scotland youth international, Sean Hadfield, takes over in goal. But experienced Steven Glass, who has just had an operation, and David Guy, who has struggled with injury pre-season, are absentees.

Sutherland said: “Inverleith have a strong squad and did well to win a tournament in Ireland last weekend.

“We’ve had a good pre- season and won two of the three games in our tournament last weekend, beating Hillhead and Dundee Wanderers, before losing to Grove Menzieshill.

“The team has a solid core from last season including Mike Rea and myself and everything has gone well in training.

“It’s a big game for us on Saturday. I think it will be close but we have the players to beat them.”

Other Division One games feature champions Kelburne against Wanderers, Clydesdale against Hillhead and Grove Menzieshill against Western.

Grange and Edinburgh University are competing in the Edinburgh University pre-season tournament at Peffermill which started on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Watsonians open their Division Two campaign at Bangholm (2pm) against Waverley Invesk Trinity.