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Liam Watson

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Southport v AFC Wimbledon

Newly-promoted Southport kick off their Blue Square Bet Premier campaign against a highly-motivated AFC Wimbledon side.

The Dons, who start the league on the back of an impressive pre-season campaign, are fully fit with the exception of Delano Sam-Yorke and Mark Nwokeji

After losing just twice in 10 warm-up games AFC boss Terry Brown is facing the dilemma of who to leave out of his starting eleven.

He told the club's official website: "I'm pleased to be able to tell you that our complete squad of 21 players trained and they are all fit and raring to go. This obviously leaves me with some very difficult decisions to make and it is a lovely, while awkward, position for any manager to be in at the start of the season."

He is, however, wary of the test that faces them on Saturday.

"The task we face at Southport would not have been an easy game to replicate during pre-season, so it is a step into the unknown as far as how we will compete with a much stronger physical challenge than we've encountered in pre-season games.

"Southport enter the Conference Premier as champions on the back of a fantastic season and with one of the most experienced non-league managers at the helm. Therefore, we expect a very difficult afternoon as we welcome back the fans to the excitement of a new season."

Sandgrounders boss Liam Watson looks set to give debuts to striker Matty McNeil and defender Robbie Williams with Liam Blakeman, back for his third spell at the club, also set to start.

28-year-old goalkeeper Tony McMillan and defender Kevin Lee have also won their personal battles to be fit for the clash which is a major boost for Watson.

Southport have worked hard to ensure they are competitive this season but have taken an extra measure to ensure they can compete - by making their pitch narrower.

He told the Southport Visiter: "We've narrowed the pitch this summer because it makes sense.

"Set pieces are vital to us, our height is a major weapon from corners, free-kicks and that long throw Matty McGinn has. I've said it before, Stoke City have shown everyone how to build and develop in the Premier League and now find themselves buying £8m strikers.

"We've tried different formations this summer but I've ended up thinking we're going to be as good as we can be either playing 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. We've tried playing three in behind but looked really vulnerable down the flanks."

Liam Blakeman remains sidelined as he has not yet achieved his ideal fitness while Alan Collins, who spent time with the club's reserves at the end of last season, has been handed a one-year deal.