Sky Blues boss Mark Robins says he will pick the strongest team he possible can for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with non-league side Wrexham.
City will be looking to avoid a third round upset this weekend, as they play host to Phil Parkinson’s side in a knock-out clash.
Robins assessed his opponents, as well as discussing the latest on injuries within his camp and what he expects tomorrow afternoon.
Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup clash, Robins said:
On tomorrow’s game and the threat Wrexham pose…
“It’s always a great occasion that so often throws up upsets,” Robins said.
“They’re a great side, managed by Phil Parkinson, and they’re flying and they be coming with lots of confidence, backed by plenty of supporters, and they’ll fancy their chances.
“Tomorrow’s a 5:30 kick off is different and we’ve got to be focussed, and be right on our game, because they have got a lot of quality and they’ll throw things at us, literally! They have Ben Tozer’s throw, which is like a missile.
“They have some really good players like Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Callum McFadzean. It’s an interesting game and a tough game, so we need to be at it, we need to be focussed and we need to ensure that we get into the next round.”
On the challenge of avoiding a possible upset…
“We approach it like we normally do; we respect the opponent. We know what they are capable of doing and they will raise the level, so they’ll really have a go at upsetting the rhythm, everything you’d expect, really.
“But this is the FA Cup: everybody loves it. There is always the chance that a lower team could knock out a big team and that’s the beauty of the FA Cup and we need to avoid that if we can do.
“We need to make sure it’s not us and that we do the job properly.
“There will be a sizeable crowd and there is a lot of noise around Wrexham at the moment because they’re spending a lot of money at their level, with famous owners now.
“There’s a TV series and everything that goes along with that. I wish real good luck to them, but only after tomorrow.”
On the current run of form…
“We’ve done okay as of late. There’s been a lot of upheaval here and we needed the break that came during the World Cup, and then injuries came with the games that we played in quick succession.
“We’ve had some good performances too, a brilliant result against West Brom, and then some draws that you have to take. I have told the players: If you can’t win, don’t lose.
“Ultimately, we’re unbeaten in a number of games and we’re trying to build.”
On the takeover and the January transfer window…
“We’re trying to move on as best as we can and we’re hopeful that is imminent. The club are beavering away in the background trying to get everything rubber-stamped. Imminent is the word and we’re hopeful.
“I’m looking to do something imminently in terms of transfers, and hopefully we can get the right players in to see us through until the summer.
“The players we have are key to what we want to do, so we need them all back from injury. We’re looking at how much we can affect that during this transfer window.
“We are looking for players who have experience of the Championship, but I also want to bring in players to develop here. That’s what I always try to do. If we can’t do that then we will have a look at what the loan market is offering.
“We will have to wait and see if the right help is available, and we’ll see what shape and form that comes in.”
On his team for tomorrow…
“I’ll pick the strongest team I can pick tomorrow, bearing in mind the circumstances that we are in at the moment.
“We have people carrying knocks, some carry illness, so I will have to go with the players who are available whilst also looking at how we can best utilise the players who have played a lot of minutes recently.
“First and foremost, we want to get through to the next round. We have nine substiutes and we will use that.
“It’s a brilliant competition and one that we really want to do well in, for the supporters. They love this competition and we’re right there with them on that.
“We want to go into this game with a team that is performing, and we need to balance that out with what comes next, as we need everyone ready and fit for games against Burnley and Norwich.
“I have to balance that, and you will see that in the team that starts tomorrow. Hopefully, we can gel and play as well as we possibly can do.
“Wrexham are flying, there is no doubt about it. They have a really good manager who manages the teams in the style of how he used to play. He was combative, aggressive and his teams have really good quality.”
On injuries and Kyle McFadzean…
“We have nothing new to report on injuries.
“Kyle McFadzean saw a tendon split as well as a muscle tear, but there has been some really good healing, but you need to ensure that continues.
“I pray that he returns soon but it was a bad tear. Once again, that is the number of games in his legs over a short period of time.
“He does not get injured, he’s made of granite, but this season we are seeing players pick up the as injuries at every club.
“That’s the challenge and, whilst I’m keeping an eye on things with Fadz, we need to be guarded and ensure that injury does not relapse.”