The new Manx football season will burst into life this evening, Tuesday, with the Eric Fletcher Charity Shield at the Bowl.

The 7.45pm kick-off pits Premier League champions St George’s against FA Cup holders Corinthians in the tradtional campaign curtain-raiser.

Both sides are likely to be missing key players through injury, but nevertheless the match should give some indication as to how both sides will fare this campaign.

In addition to the injured Calum Morrissey and Ciaran McNulty, St George’s look set to be without St Mary’s bound duo Frank Jones and Jack McVey.

Chris Bass Sr, who only returned to the Geordies’ manager’s role a couple of weeks ago, will therefore have to rely on youth, a theme that looks set to run through the Glencrutchery Road club’s season.

Corinthians will also be missing a couple of their leading lights with Sean Doyle, Connor Gorman and new signing Fraser Vaughan all sidelined with injury.

Cameron Lee and Luke Murray are also off-island meaning Whites manager Danny McMahon will have to shuffle his pack as he aims to retain the silverware he won 12 months ago.

fourfiveone pre-season pull-out in this week’s manx independent

l The opening league matches of the campaign take place this Saturday, August 18.

Don’t miss our annual pre-season Manx football pull-out, FourFiveOne, inside this week’s Independent - on sale Thursday.

Saturday, August 18

Canada Life Premier League

2.30pm Douglas Athletic v DHSOB

2.30pm Castletown v Rushen United

2.30pm St John’s v Corinthians

2.30pm Braddan v Laxey

2.30pm Peel v Douglas Royal

2.30pm St Mary’s v St George’s

JCK Ltd Division Two

2pm Malew v Michael United

2.30pm Pulrose United v Onchan

2.30pm Union Mills v RYCOB

2.30pm Governor’s Athletic v Foxdale

2.30pm Ayre United v Gymns

2.30pm Ramsey v Colby

Canada Life Combination One

2.30pm DHSOB v Douglas Athletic

2.30pm Rushen United v Castletown

2.30pm Corinthians v St John’s

2.30pm Laxey v Braddan

2.30pm Douglas Royal v Peel

2.30pm St George’s v St Mary’s

JCK Ltd Combination Two

2pm Michael v Malew

2.30pm Onchan v Pulrose United

2.30pm RYCOB v Union Mills

2.30pm Foxdale v Governor’s Athletic

2.30pm Gymns v Ayre United

2.30pm Colby P-P Ramsey