CARDIFF: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned his side not to underestimate new-boys Cardiff in their Premier League clash on Sunday.
City produced a stylish 4-0 victory over Newcastle in Pellegrini’s first competitive match in charge last weekend, while Cardiff suffered a losing start on their return to the top flight at West Ham.
But former Malaga coach Pellegrini is determined to ensure his players do not take victory for granted against the Welsh side, who will be playing their first game at home in the top flight for half a century.
“We will not underestimate them because they are new to the division,” he said.
“They will be very tough opponents on their own pitch. We know we have to play at our best to take three points but we will be focused and prepared for the challenge.”
City defender Joleon Lescott is also wary of how tough a trip to Cardiff can be having played with his former club Wolves in south Wales.
“I’ve played there before with Wolves and I know how intense the atmosphere can be,” he said.
“I’m sure Craig Bellamy will be stirring it up to show them how important the game is.
“If we do it the right way we are confident we can come away with three points.”
Lescott will not be playing alongside defender Vincent Kompany after the Belgium international suffered a groin injury against Newcastle and could be out for up to a month.
However, Matija Nastasic has resumed first-team training after suffering an ankle problem in July’s Asia Trophy and Pellegrini is hopeful the Serbian defender will be fit to face Cardiff.
“It is a blow to lose our captain so early in the season but there is nothing we can do about it,” said Pellegrini.
“He is a very important player for us but we are hopeful Matija Nastasic could be available for Cardiff. It is too early to say but we will see.
“Micah Richards is also improving and he could be available for next weekend, but again, we will wait and see how he progresses.
“I’m aware of course that Micah can also play in central defence so we have options while Vincent is recovering.” - AFP
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