United at the National Stadium, leaving coach Robert Calderon to decide on the midfield combination in a 3-5-2 formation.

Professionals Shawn Goater and Kyle Lightbourne are certain starters and will carry the attack against the Major League Soccer team, while Timmy Figureido is the obvious choice in goal with the recently turned pro Dwayne Adams abroad.

Two of the defensive positions will go to captain Shannon Burgess and Kentoine Jennings with the other spot going to either Clifford Roberts, teenager Kofi Dill or Dano Outerbridge.

The BFA are hoping the presence of Goater and Lightbourne in the Bermuda team for the first time in five years will help swell the crowd after disappointing turnouts for the recent matches against Antigua and Denmark under-21s.

"The reason they are here is two-fold -- one the association saw it as a tremendous opportunity for the Bermuda public to have a look at them and also obviously for financial reasons,'' said coach Calderon yesterday.

One local who will have to wait a little longer to see the pair in action together is technical director Clyde Best who has been anxious to have the pair in the same team. However, Best is in England with two local youngsters who are training with English professional teams.

Following recent problems in the domestic league, local football could do with a good performance against United who have won two MLS titles in the three years the league has been in existence. And Lightbourne and Goater, with more than 25 goals between them this season, will carry a big load on their shoulders.

"I would think they will bring out more people to watch the game,'' Calderon acknowledged. "It gives us the opportunity prior to the May tournament (Caribbean Cup qualifying) to give the other players, plus Shawn and Kyle, the chance to play in a competitive match together.

"It also gives me the opportunity to see the team with both of them in it.

Obviously we have to start them, we didn't bring them back to sit on the bench. I would have to sit on the sideline with a crash helmet on if I did that.'' Calderon will pick his midfielders from the likes of Randy Spence and Andrew Rahman, Stanton Lewis, Keishon Smith, Devarr Boyles, Meshach Wade, Karl Roberts and Kevin Jennings.

"I will dress 22 guys, I'm not looking to reduce the squad,'' said Calderon, who plans to limit his substitutions to the usual three for a competitive match even though DC are likely to be granted their wish to have five substitutions.

"This is a real opportunity to play against good level opposition and it will not be a `friendly' for us,'' Calderon noted.

"We need to see 13, 14 players on Tuesday night, no more than that.'' This match is likely to be the last competitive outing for the Bermuda team before they host the Caribbean Cup qualifying tournament in early May. The two professionals are already doubtful as they may still be committed to their English clubs.

Having a ball: DC United players enjoy a light workout at the National Stadium in preparation for tonight's clash.