Manchester City players warned not to take 'low priority' Capital One Cup trip to Newcastle lightly
The competition is last on Pellegrini's hit-list and he'll make lots of changes - but he still wants "intensity and quality"
Warren Little
Manuel Pellegrini will make wholesale changes for Manchester City's trip to Newcastle - but has told his players there can be no slacking off in the League Cup tie, despite the competition being bottom on his list of priorities.
No.2 goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon will come in for the under-fire Joe Hart, whose late gaffe gifted Chelsea a 2-1 win on Sunday.
Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko are likely to be recalled in attack, with England midfielder Jack Rodwell set to make only his second appearance of an injury-blighted season.
But Pellegrini is demanding a performance from this 'second-string' side at St James' Park.
"Every team that wants to win something must demonstrate every week the intensity, quality and spirit that we have
in this team," he said.
"If you think that just with quality you are going to win, then I think you are making a great mistake.
"I think for me and the team and the club, the pressure must always be the highest pressure to have good performances in every tournament we play.
"The Premier League, Champions League and Capital One Cup is, for me, always the same and the pressure is positive."
Meanwhile, City right-back Pablo Zabaleta has claimed the club's standards are now so high they "cannot accept silver medals".
Manchester City Pantilimon; Richards, Demichelis, Lescott, Kolarov; Garcia, Rodwell; Milner, Jovetic, Navas; Dzeko.
No.2 goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon will come in for the under-fire Joe Hart, whose late gaffe gifted Chelsea a 2-1 win on Sunday.
Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko are likely to be recalled in attack, with England midfielder Jack Rodwell set to make only his second appearance of an injury-blighted season.
But Pellegrini is demanding a performance from this 'second-string' side at St James' Park.
"Every team that wants to win something must demonstrate every week the intensity, quality and spirit that we have
in this team," he said.
"If you think that just with quality you are going to win, then I think you are making a great mistake.
"I think for me and the team and the club, the pressure must always be the highest pressure to have good performances in every tournament we play.
"The Premier League, Champions League and Capital One Cup is, for me, always the same and the pressure is positive."
Meanwhile, City right-back Pablo Zabaleta has claimed the club's standards are now so high they "cannot accept silver medals".
Probable teams
Newcastle Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Mbiwa, Santon; Anita, Tiote; Sammy Ameobi, Sissoko, Marveaux; CisseManchester City Pantilimon; Richards, Demichelis, Lescott, Kolarov; Garcia, Rodwell; Milner, Jovetic, Navas; Dzeko.
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