But the head coach says that, whoever the visitors field, United must attack their first round test with optimism.

Peter Cklamovski’s Ammies are flying at the top of League Two and have won their last eight league games.

Elliot says Salford have a squad strong enough to make multiple changes and not be greatly weakened in Saturday’s tie.

Asked how to predict the opposing line-up, the Blues boss said: “I don't think you can.

“I went to watch one of their games in [another cup] and you get a sense of what they are as they're consistent whichever players play.

“The manager's got good shape, he's got good structure. They have a good way of playing and they like to build from the back.

Salford won 2-0 against Carlisle in a pre-season friendly with Macaulay Langstaff getting both goals (Image: Ben Holmes)

“We give the lads all the information we can but that can change at 2pm on a Saturday when we get the team sheet.

“So it's about being consistent and sticking to the concepts – why you train so hard, why you're consistent in training, why you're consistent with the messaging, so then the players at least can fall back on that, and we can just make slight adjustments based on formations and shape and personnel.”

Salford are five points clear at the top of League Two and can boast big summer signings such as Macaulay Langstaff and Luke Molyneux in a top-performing fourth-tier squad.

Peter Cklamovski's side are top of League Two (Image: PA)

Elliot says the Ammies, who won 2-0 at Brunton Park in a pre-season friendly, have impressive depth too.

“They’ve literally got two teams – they've got the team that's played the majority of the league games, and they've got a team that's been playing in the cup games.

“And to be honest with you, both teams are getting promoted out of League Two, with the budget, the experience, and some of the exciting players they've got.

“So whoever they put out, we know it's going to be a really tough ask for us. But I think it's another challenge for this group. And it's where we want to be – challenging against teams at the top end of the league above.

“It's a great test for our players as individuals, us as a club, coaching team, etc, to challenge ourselves against what is the best team in League Two and a team that probably would do very well in the league above that as well.

“So we've got to enjoy the occasion.”