The draw for this year’s Asian Image cup has seen two of last year’s finalists pitted together.

Eight clubs from across the North West will battle it out for this year’s cup which will again be held at the Blackburn Rovers Youth Academy.

Games will be played on the first bank holiday weekend of May.

Club representatives joined organisers at the official draw held at the Shahi Qila Restaurant in Blackburn.

This year the draw was conducted by Servet Tasdimir and son Serhat. In a repeat of last year’s final holders Fishwick Rangers will play Coppice United of Oldham in the first round. Coppice remain the most successful side in the past two years winning five out of their six games.

The newest team to feature in the tournament Bolton Gloves United will take on one of the favourites Canaries. Bolton Gloves beat Preston United 2-1 in a play-off for the eighth spot.

Invited clubs are permitted to include players of all ethnicity and backgrounds.

Co-organiser Abdul Rauf said, “We are thankful to Blackburn Rovers for hosting the tournament for the third year running.

“It is pleasing to see how clubs are made up of so many different nationalities and cultures. Games have been played in the true spirit of football and this year we hope clubs will show the same respect to each other as years gone by.”

“It is going to be as competitive as ever and we would like to give a warm welcome the town of Bolton who are featured in the cup for the first time.”

Nelson’s Paak United will take on Bank Top whilst joint favourites Blackburn United take on Rochdale’s Asia FC.

This tournament has not always gone to form in the past few years with seemingly unfancied teams winning both of the last cups.

Clubs are permitted to choose from a squad of 22 players over the weekend.

Saturday May 1 Canaries vs Bolton Gloves United (2.30pm); Bank Top Rovers vs Paak United (2.30pm) Fishwick Rangers vs Coppice (5pm); Blackburn United vs Asia FC (5pm) Sunday May 2 4pm: Winners of games played at 2.30pm.

4pm: Winners of games played at 5pm.

Monday May 3 Final at 3pm Timings may be subject to change Pictures of all participating clubs are featured in the latest issue of Asian Image.