Former England U21s captain Mark Soden is free to play for London Scottish again.

The ex-Northampton Saints star was this week given a three-match ban by the RFU for striking an opponent in the National Three (South) game at Henley on December 20.

But as the suspension has been served in the meantime, Soden is available for Scottish's EDF National Trophy fourth round trip to Manchester on Saturday.

It will be the first time the two clubs have met in league or cup action.

While Scottish are unbeaten and flying high in National Three (South), Manchester are struggling at the bottom of National One and have won just one game in 19.

Also in EDF National Trophy fourth round action are London Welsh, where they host National One rivals Newbury Blues.

The omens are good for Welsh, who have won their last three meetings with Newbury, while the Blues have not won in seven games.

All of the area's other teams will hope to be back in action too after seeing their matches fall foul of the weather last weekend.

Richmond and Rosslyn Park are both on the road in National Three (South), visiting Lydney and Havant respectively.

Staines visit Welwyn in London Two North, Grasshoppers host London New Zealand in London Three NW and Chiswick welcome Datchworth in London Four NW.