The East Anglia derby will begin at Saddlebow Road

The Witches compete in the Elite League while the Stars compete in the Premier League.

"This is a really interesting inter-league match up and I would hope we can pull off a win," said Stars manager Rob Lyon.

This is the first time the two sides have met in more than five years.

"This is the perfect way to get our season under way, we are competing for the East Anglian Trophy over two legs," said Stars' promoter Jonathan Chapman.

"For the away leg on Thursday we have drafted in the services of ex-world champion Jason Crump, hopefully this will give us just enough power to win on aggregate," he added.

The Ipswich team includes Steve Johnston and Stars fans' favourite guest Chris Schramm.

Wednesday's action at Saddlebow Road begins at 1930 GMT.

STARS

1. Tomas Topinka 2. Shaun Tacey 3. Kevin Doolan 4. Kozza Smith 5. Rusty Harrison 6. John Oliver 7. Simon Lambert

WITCHES

1. Robert Miskoviak 2. Piotr Swiderski 3. Chris Louis 4. Steve Johnston 5. Jarek Hampel 6. Tobi Kroner 7. Chris Schramm