Manchester City begin their defence of the Capital One Cup this evening against a dangerous Championship opponent with manager Manuel Pellegrini confirming six players will miss the clash.
City face Sheffield Wednesday at The Etihad with Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri all ruled out through injury.
Stevan Jovetic and Fernando are also side-lined, with Pablo Zabaleta suspended as well, but their busy schedule meant Pellegrini was always going to rotate his squad.
“All the players during this year, especially now we have to play seven games in 21 days, will have an opportunity to show what they can do,” he told MCFC Online.
The League Cup gave the Chilean his first English trophy last March and he is aware of the threat that the Owls will possess.
“Every time that we play in this competition, and not only our team but every team, when you play against a Championship team it is very difficult,” he added.
“We had different experiences last season. We were eliminated here in the FA Cup against Wigan who were a Championship team.
“I know Sheffield Wednesday are in a very good moment and in the last ten games they have only lost one, but I am sure that tomorrow that the team will be conscious that we are playing to continue in the Capital One Cup.”
City will be expected to progress in the tournament in which they conceded only one goal on their road to victory last season.
However, the current holders are without a win in their last four, having faced Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Arsenal within eight days last week.
Pellegrini’s men will be hoping to bounce back with a cup victory before heading to Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Main image courtesy of MCFC via YouTube, with thanks.
