“I’ve been told I’ve got to come back with the Cup,” said Eaden, head coach of this year’s squad after being part of the management team at the past two Soccer Sevens.

“That’s why you enter tournaments. That’s what you want to do each time – try to win it – so that’s what we’re here to do.”

Leicester’s final group A match against 2012 champions Newcastle United on Saturday evening could be one of the highlights of the pool stage.

“We’ve definitely punched above our weight [this season], considering the teams we’re up against, the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Man United,” Eaden said.

“We’ve got some good players, but when you’re up against teams who recruit from the very best in the world at this level, you’ve got to have that work ethic. We’ve been a real team this season.”

Leicester have one of the most experienced squads with defender Alie Sesay, midfielder Jak McCourt and 2013 Player of the Tournament Harry Panayiotou playing for a third straight year, while defender Callum Elder and forward Joe Dodoo return from last year, when Leicester won the third-tier Plate after an underwhelming title defence.

However, Eaden is most excited about the potential match-winning talents of Jack Barmby, the son of former England international Nick Barmby who has already represented England at U-16, U-18, U-19 and U-20 level.

Eaden emphasised the importance of a strong start in group A – which also includes BC Rangers of the Hong Kong Premier League and Singapore Cricket Club – after a slow start last year resulted in the Foxes falling into the lower-tier Plate competition.

In group B, West Ham United face Hong Kong champions Kitchee – the 2011 winners and last year’s finalists – Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG and HKFC Captain’s Select.

Group C features five-time winners Aston Villa, managed by club legend Gordon Cowans, Wellington Phoenix, HKFA U-18 and Hong Kong Football Club.

Group D features English debutants Stoke City, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, HKFA U-20 and Yau Yee League Select.

In last night's masters tournament, Marlon Harewood stole the show as the Citibank All Stars notched two victories.

Harewood, 35, scored the winner in the 1-0 win over HKFC Chairman's Select and netted a brace in a 3-0 win over Discovery Bay as Citibank All Stars led group B with six points. Nottingham Forest Mobsters and SCC Tigers drew 0-0 to share second place on four points after earlier wins.

Wallsend Boys Club and USRC-BTS lived up to their billing as the top two seeds in group A by winning both of their matches to each get six points, five ahead of Kitchee All Stars and HKFC Veterans.

Striker Harewood showed the power, pace and skill that made him a feared forward for the likes of West Ham United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

“I wasn’t expecting anything, just to go out there and help the lads. Jason asked me to come over and get some goals and help them along,” said Harewood, a former teammate of Jason Lee, the team’s manager.

“It’s hard work in this humidity, but it’s good fitness. It’s great that you’ve got so many professionals and ex-professionals all playing together and against each other.”

Citibank All Stars are hoping to win the Cup for the first time and finally live up to expectations heaped on a team representing the tournament’s title sponsor and organised by England’s Professional Footballers’ Association.