Captain Ashbee comes into midfield, with David Livermore switching to the left. Ryan France is among the substitutes.
New signings Michael Bridges and Nicky Forster both make their debuts for the club, with Jon Parkin dropping to the bench and Darryl Duffy not even making the squad. Nick Barmby is also excluded from the 16.
City line-up: Boaz Myhill; Sam Ricketts, Michael Turner, Sam Collins, Andy Dawson; Craig Fagan, Ian Ashbee, Dean Marney, David Livermore; Michael Bridges, Nicky Forster.
Subs: Matt Duke, Alton Thelwell, Ryan France, John Welsh, Jon Parkin.