Rovers get their Premier League 2 campaign underway tonight against Manchester City at Leyland (7pm).

Billy Barr's side finished seventh last season, rising two places under the points-per-game model, after last season was curtailed in March.

New signing Connor McBride is expected to feature in attack, as could Sam Burns who has been in fine form in pre-season, following up his hat-trick against Carlisle with a goal in Monday's 2-0 win at Sunderland.

Luke Brennan could well complete the forward line with Dan Butterworth still yet to return to full training, while Jack Vale faces around six weeks on the sidelines.

In defence there are also injury concerns surrounding Joe Grayson, Hayden Carter and Tyler Magloire which will likely see Sam Barnes and Louie Annesley line up as the central defensive pairing.

Tony Mowbray will be expected to take a watching brief for the opening match of the season, with all of Rovers’ opening three games coming at their Lancashire FA home.

They start against a City side who began their Premier League 2 campaign with a 3-3 draw against Derby County at the weekend.

“The players have worked hard and got themselves fit during pre-season and they’ll all want to be selected for that first game of the season against Manchester City,” said Barr.

The match will be played behind closed doors, and as things stand, there are no plans from either side to stream the game live.