The Blues head to Leicestershire tomorrow for their latest outing in a 2025/26 season where National League promotion remains by far the top priority.
Hughes hinted that his original plans to dominate Saturday’s selection with fringe players might yet go out of the window.
“On the evidence of \[Wednesday\] a few might have to go again,” said the Blues boss.
“I might have changed my plans if I'm honest.
“We'll see how they work. I'll see how everybody is. My view on personnel for the game might have changed.”
United, for the game against Southern League Premier Division Central high-fliers Harborough, were largely expected to field a number of players short of first-team game time recently, along with some coming back from injury as well as some up-and-coming young players.
Hayden Atkinson is among the players likely to be involved at Harborough _(Image: Ben Holmes)_
Those from the fringes hoping for involvement could include players such as Sam Murray, Jordan Jones, Sam Hetherington, Stephen Wearne, Callum Whelan and Archie Davies, with 17-year-old defender Hayden Atkinson another player likely to be involved.
Hughes must also decide whether to include Elliot Embleton and Bevis Mugabi in the game at Bowdens Park after their return to fitness. The head coach said the artificial pitch at Harborough may determine his decision in certain cases when it comes to those just back from injuries.
“We've got a number of guys coming back, and a number of guys that need a bit of a game time, so that will help us,” added Hughes.
United will be playing in the Trophy for only the second season in their history, having reached the fifth round in the 2004/05 campaign.
They will take on a Harborough side who sit second in their division, which is at the equivalent level as Workington Reds’ Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Mitch Austin’s Harborough are unbeaten in the league so far in 2025/26 with 12 wins and six draws from their 18 games. They are four points behind leaders Spalding United having played three games fewer.
Their only defeat so far this term came against National League club Altrincham, who won 3-0 after extra-time in an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay.
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