Holders Newcastle United finally get a chance to defend their HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens title after a long wait when the showpiece returns at Hong Kong Football Club next month.
And the task could not have been more challenging after they were drawn to face fellow English Premier League outfit Leicester City in the group phase of the May 26-28 tournament.
The team will head to Hong Kong buoyed by Newcastle's most successful Premier League campaign in decades, with Eddie Howe's high flyers within touching distance of a Champions League place.
Newcastle, who defeated Scottish side Rangers in the final when the event was last held in 2019, have also been drawn to face hosts Hong Kong Football Club and the Hong Kong Football Club Captain's Select in Group C.
Aston Villa, the tournament's most successful club with six titles to their name, headline Group A as the tournament returns for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Villa will face Rangers, Tai Po FC and the Yau Yee League Select in the group stage.
"This is the 21st edition of the Soccer Sevens and we are thrilled the tournament is resuming after the challenges brought on by the pandemic over the last three years," said Tony Bratsanos, chairman of the organizing committee. "To celebrate our return, we have assembled a fantastic line-up in both the Main event and the Masters tournament and we can't wait to see the stars of the future in action at the Hong Kong Football Club once more."
Sixteen teams in total will compete for the title in the Main event, with 10 clubs traveling to the SAR for the competition.
Group D will feature Brighton, Wolves, Hong Kong and Singapore Cricket Club with the opening phase of the competition rounded out by Premier League club Fulham, Hong Kong champions Kitchee, MUST CPK, Singapore Football Club meeting in Group B.
Meanwhile, the Citi All Stars return to challenge Masters champions the Wallsend Boys Club, with the team drawn to meet Hong Kong Football Club Masters, Rio Cricket Association Athletic, FPF and Kowloon Cricket Club Veterans in Group B.
Wallsend will take on Singapore Cricket Club Masters, Singapore Football Club, Discovery Bay and the HKFC Chairman's Select in Group A.
Tickets for the weekend event will be available at zicket.co.
Former England and Premier League star Les Ferdinand, center, joins organizers at the launch.
