Manchester City to relive glory day

Ian Bishop is expected to make his first start of the season for Manchester City tonight - and relive one of the most memorable days in the club's history.

Ian Bishop is expected to make his first start of the season for Manchester City tonight - and relive one of the most memorable days in the club's history.

City's revival can be traced back to that day at Wembley 16 months ago when they won an breathtaking Second Division play-off against Gillingham after a penalty shoot-out. Now Gillingham, themselves newly promoted to the First Division, come to Maine Road as City kick off their Worthington Cup campaign.

It was Bishop, 35, who came on as a second-half substitute that afternoon at Wembley to help turn the game City's way. He said: "You can't help but remember that day at Wembley against Gillingham - it will be in all our minds for ever. But now I'm looking to try to win myself a place in City's Premiership side."

City will be without the midfielder Gerard Wiekens (Achilles problem) and the full-back Danny Tiatto (stomach bug). Joe Royle, the City manager, hopes to add to his squad soon - he travelled to Sweden earlier this week to review possible targets and has been linked with Molde's 19-year-old midfielder Magne Hoseth and the Elfsborg forward Anders Svensson.

Gillingham's player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is relishing the chance of setting the record straight at Maine Road. He said: "We probably owe them one for the play-offs, although that's really forgotten. It is going to be an awesome test, but we will enjoy the game."

Not taking chances, the Newcastle manager Bobby Robson will field a full-strength side against Leyton Orient at St James' Park. He said: "I went to see Orient last Tuesday, that's how important I thought it was." He told his players, "now I'm looking for your reaction".