OXFORD City will hand opportunities to several young prospects when they take on neighbours Oxford United in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final at the Kassam Stadium tonight (7.30).

General manager Justin Merritt’s hand has been forced, with their league campaign having finished last month.

Jose Lapoujade, Alejandro-Adrian Santiago, Ander Del Alamo, Julen Lafuente and Carlos Pifarré have returned home to Spain after completing contracts, while Matt Whichelow is at parent club Boreham Wood after the end of his loan.

Captain Darren Pond and winger Marlon Jackson are injured, while goalkeeper Laurie Walker is suspended.

But Merritt has told his younger players this offers them a chance to impress ahead of next season.

He said: “It would have been nice if it had been earlier and we still had a full squad available, but this is a good opportunity for the younger ones.

“The talent is there and this is an opportunity for them to show it.”

United are unlikely to field any of the 18-man squad from Saturday’s promotionclinching victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

It should mean they will follow City in naming a young side.

Jack Stevens, Miles Welch-Hayes and George Jeacock, offered professional contracts last month, could all feature as United seek their first Senior Cup victory since 2013.

Admission is £10 for adults and £5 concessions.