Salford City play their first-ever game as a Football League club this weekend, taking on Stevenage at the Peninsula Stadium. 

For Ammies fans it is a historic moment that they've waited a long while for. Under the ownership of several former Manchester United legends, their rise can't be described as a fairy tale, but that won't make a difference to their supporters.

Some other club's fans see their rise as a problem within the English game, spending big in the non-league scene and increasing the pressure on others. Love them or loathe them, the Ammies are here to stay.

Considering that they're seen as a big-spending side, much of their summer business has been understated, carefully building a side rather than throwing money at it. Their detractors won't like to hear it of course, but they've been quite careful in who they bring in.

Whilst their tactics and favoured lineup are still unclear after a busy and varied pre-season, we've attempted to put together a possible starting XI for them this weekend.

Graham Alexander played a 4-4-2 for much of last season, but looks heavy on centre backs. Having switched to 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 in the latter stages, his recruitment does seem geared towards a three centre back option. They've added a centre back over the summer, Christian Burgess on loan from Scunthorpe, but it could be a case of 'as you were' from last season.

Carl Piergianni got 11 goals from defence and is likely to start, with captain Liam Hogan also a certain for a first-team place. He's been with the club throughout their rise and adds credibility to their side. Nathan Pond featured for much of last season in the back four and he'll also feature. Keeper Chris Neal should keep new recruit Kyle Letheren on the bench.

They liked to have the full-backs pushed right up the field in the latter stages of the season, but two new signings will surely get the nod in a more defensive approach to their opening game.

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Oscar Threlkeld has joined from Belgian side Waasland-Beveren, having been with Plymouth on loan last time out. He can play in central midfield but should get the nod at right-back. Another new signing, Dan Jones, will battle with Ibou Touray for the left-back slot.

We're going for a new-look midfield, with 23-year-old Martin Smith and Richie Towell joining former Peterborough man Danny Lloyd. Lloyd is a creator and a ball-player and, along with Towell, will look to be the driving force behind their positive strides up the field. Towell has impressed hugely in pre-season and will be a sure-fire starter.

Up top, they've got a couple of options. Adam Rooney is their main striker and will surely start, but he could be partnered by a couple of faces. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe is a big, strong figure, but we're plumping with former Middlesbrough man Luke Armstrong to get the nod at home. Dieseruvwe is likely to be used away when they might need a quicker out ball.