Carling Cup preview: West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City

City begin their Carling Cup campaign at the Hawthorns with Roberto Mancini keeping one eye on a Saturday lunchtime date with Chelsea. Rotation enables a manager to keep his squad fresh and tonight should see a host of changes.

The Carling Cup appears to be the least of City’s priorities this season which may be a pity as it requires the fewest number of games to pick up some silverware. Just six fixtures have to be negotiated to end City’s quest for a trophy.