This year’s Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation Hospital Cup kicks off on Sunday teatime.

Nine preliminary round ties are set to be played at the weekend, after Division Two Michael United conceded their game with Grand Slam chasing St George’s.

Of the games that do go ahead, seven pit Division Two teams against Premier League ones.

Among those hoping to pull off a cup-set will be secnd-tier pacesetters Douglas Royal and fellow promotion hopefuls Foxdale, Castletown and Braddan.

Royal travel to DHSOB in what will be the second time the pair have met in this season after the duo were drawn together in the FA Cup.

On that occasion Old Boys triumphed on penalties, but were grateful for a late equaliser which sent the game to extra-time. This encounter should be equally tight.

Braddan may also sniff an upset when they host Douglas Athletic at Victoria Road.

The Swans may have been heavily beaten by Peel in the recent FA Cup quarter-finals, but should fare better against a Pinks side that only gained promotion last term.

Buoyed by their recent run to the FA Cup semi-finals, Foxdale will also fancy their chances when they take on fellow Miners Laxey at Glen Road.

The hosts haven’t won since January and will need to be at their best to avoid being the victim of a cup-set.

Castletown face the toughest task with a trip to in-form Corinthians.

Elsewhere, Pulrose and Marown could yet pull off shocks of their own.

Pully take on a Rushen side that hasn’t played a competitive fixture in nearly a month at Springfield Road, while Marown make the trip to Ramsey in a repeat of last year’s semi-final. On that occasion the northerners triumphed on penalties.

FA Cup finalists Peel should have enough in their locker to beat Douglas and District, despite the absence of top scorer Ashley Webster.

In the round’s only all-Premier League affair, St Mary’s will be favourites to advance through their tie away at Union Mills.

The remaining game between RYCOB and Malew could go either way. The southerners have the better recent form and might just edge this.