The Chester City boss has seen several of his players pick up slight knocks and niggling injuries in training ahead of the Haig Avenue clash.

He said: "Our preparations for the new season have been going well, but several players have picked up injuries and knocks.

"Paul Taylor and Anthony Barry definitely won't be playing in tonight's match against Southport.

"Paul has been struggling after jolting his knee in training and it's now sore and painful when he moves; and I'm not expecting Anthony to play tonight after picking up a niggling injury. But it's nothing major and I'm hoping he'll be okay for our match on Saturday at Vauxhall Motors.

"Jay Harris has picked up a knock on his heel, but that's just wear and tear and nothing to worry about, but Sean Kelly has been complaining about a tight hamstring, so he'll be training today and tomorrow.

"The injuries and niggles have made my own mind up as far as tonight's team is concerned, but at this point I wouldn't have any idea of what my best 11 would be.

"I just know that I have 17 players in the squad who are all in really good shape."

Davies revealed that he was aiming to provide every player in his squad with at least 45 minutes of action tonight, and added: "A couple of players will play 90 minutes against Southport, but everybody will play 45 minutes, including two young apprentices who are centre halves and will play half a game each.

"I don't want to give the older pros 90 minutes just yet, but players like Kevin Roberts and Glenn Rule will play a full game.

"I'm expecting Southport to provide us with another test after just missing out on promotion last season.

"There has been a little bit of movement as far as the manager and players are concerned at Southport, but I'm sure they'll give us a good game.

"I always planned to face two non-league clubs (Southport and Vauxhall Motors) before taking on Carlisle United and Swansea City."

Davies confirmed that 21-year-old French trialist, Damien Mozika, would not be playing a part in tonight's match because all his paperwork was still to be completed.

Davies said: "Damien is possibly the best trialist I have seen in a long time. He is a midfielder who is big and strong and breaks up play.

"He will bring another strength to midfield because we already have people who can create like Ryan Lowe, Paul Taylor, Richie Partridge, Kevin Ellison, and John Murphy."

- Tickets for Chester's Carling Cup first round tie against Leeds United on August 12 are on sale at the Deva Stadium between 10am and 4pm.