A team of comedians, lead by Mark Watson, are set to take on comedy reviewers tomorrow in the annual Edinburgh Fringe 'Comics v Critics' football match.

Kicking off at 2pm this Sunday 14th August at The Meadows, the match will see a roster of 18 comics take on critics from various publications. Organisers Amnesty International say spectators are most welcome - so head to the The Meadows if you want to see what will no doubt be some rather robust tackling.

Mark Watson will be joined by Carl Donnelly, Daniel Sloss, Jimeoin, Paul Sinha, Keith Farnan, Eric Lampeart, Joel Dommett, Tom Rosenthal, Humphrey Kerr, Iain Stirling, Joe Bor, Kai Humphries, Mark Nelson, Mark Smith, Matt Richardson, Nathan Caton, Rob Beckett and Steve Hall.

Facing them will be the journalists, captained by Fest Mag's Peter Geoghegan. The Independent's Julian Hall, The Guardian's Brian Logan, The Scotsman's Jay Richardson, London is Funny's Paul Fleckney and Fest Mag's Edd McCracken are amongst those that will be threatening one star reviews for any goals scored against them.

The match will be referred by Amnesty International, who apart from trying to stop any fighting on the pitch, are at the festival to raise awareness for the "UAE 5", five online activists detained in the United Arab Emirates and charged with "insulting officials" after calling for democracy and criticising the government.

Last year the comedians' side, captained by Rob Rouse, beat the critics 3-2 in a thrilling 90 minutes of football. With the critics looking to avenge last year's defeat the annual game may well live up to its billing as "such a grudge match they had to get Amnesty International to referee".

As he accepted the captain's armband, Watson vowed to lead the comedians to another win in this year's game. He said: "Captaining any football team is the realisation of a boyhood dream for me. The responsibility is quite terrifying. Rob Rouse whipped up the comedians into an adrenalin-fuelled frenzy last year and I'll be looking to keep that up. We're not going down on my watch."

Meanwhile Fest's Peter Geoghegan added: "It's the biggest grudge match of the year, pure and simple. Man United vs. Liverpool, Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, Rocky against the big Russian bloke, they all pale in comparison to Sunday's game. With our fearless challenges, never-say-die attitude and skilful teamwork we're going to show those workshy comics how the beautiful game should be played. If that fails? We'll revert to Plan B: bite their ankles till they cry 'Mummy!"

Mark Watson will also be appearing at Amnesty's famed Stand up For Freedom comedy show on 17th August at 9.30pm at the EICC's Venue 150. Also booked for the huge show are Ed Byrne, Russell Kane, Jenny Éclair, David O'Doherty, Holly Walsh, Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler, Roisin Conaty and Michael Winslow. The show will be compered by Scottish comedy favourite Fred MacAulay, and Let's Dance For Comic Relief winner Charlie Baker. Tickets are almost sold out, but there's about 50 left so act quick if you want to see the show.