Teenager Macheda played against Otago in the Milk Cup last year, and achieved cult status for United when he scored a vital injury-time winner to beat Aston Villa 3-2 in the Premier League.
Coach Neil Mackenzie said Macheda's goal indicated the "stunning quality" of the opposition Otago faces in Milk Cup football.
"For Macheda to emerge so soon into the top league makes our lads who played against him realise the sheer quality of the opposition we play against in Ireland," Mackenzie said.
The Footballsouth competition is a vital part of the youth team's preparation, with players trying to bridge the gap between school football and the level required in Northern Ireland.
The squad showed great promise last week to hold Chatham Cup finalist Dunedin Technical to a 1-0 scoreline at half-time, Mackenzie said.
"The lads faded a bit to lose 4-0, but our fitness programme will improve stamina, and the FPL is a step up in quality and toughness that will benefit our young Otago players."
Otago Youth has the bye today but plays Northern on Monday.
Caversham begins its defence of the title with what could be an awkward match against an improved Mosgiel side led by player-coach Mike McGarry.
Mosgiel will be fired up by memories of the corresponding fixture last year, in which striker Tom Jackson scored five in Caversham's 8-0 win.
Another team looking for revenge will be Alan Bain's University side, which was slammed 7-0 last year by Dunedin Technical.
Varsity looks a more balanced side this year and the presence of former Technical striker John Lang in the student attack should spark things up at Tahuna Park.
Andy Coburn hit the Varsity net four times last year in a rare burst of scoring form, but is carrying a muscle strain that might sideline him.
Roslyn-Wakari visits Sunnyvale to play Green Island, and coach Terry Boylan will look for a complete effort from a Roslyn side that wilted in last week's second half against Queenstown.
Island coach Warren Robinson was disappointed to lose in the first round to University after being 1-0 up, and will be demanding a sustained effort from his young side this week.
Queenstown, under new coach Darren Rewi, is traditionally stronger at home, in and will strive for maximum points from the visiting Northern side.
Northern's top XI is full of potential but coach David Martin-Chambers has injury problems and a lightweight attack despite the sharp skills of young striker Seamus Gray.
Another new coach, Barry Gardiner, has an effective-looking Spirit FC side which will be looking to remain unbeaten when Grants Braes visits Invercargill.
A full round of FPL matches on Monday will feature Northern-Otago Youth at 12.45pm and Roslyn-University, Mosgiel-Queenstown, Grants Braes-Dunedin Technical and Caversham-Green Island at 2.45pm.
