Favourites kept apart in Capital One Cup semi-final draw

Kolarov has tended to struggle with trickier wide players like Shaqiri over the last couple of years, so how City handle this matchup – whether they trust Kolarov to get the job done alone or if and how they give him help – could determine the way this match ends. It is thought the move will open up untold commercial opportunities in what is a huge but relatively untapped market, valuing them at £2.1bn.

Who would you prefer in the final? They have already overcome Chelsea and at home Stoke are a formidable team.

But he’s taken it by storm. He looks like he’s got it all. While Stoke’s midfield is now a very flair orientated place, their defence is still akin to big tackles and physical contests which is also true of Charlie Adam who can pick both a pass and a robust challenge.

“It will be a hard game but on the back of the [League Cup] quarter-final we’re full of confidence and can’t wait for they weekend”. City continued to grow under Mancini and Pellegrini, winning two top-flight titles in three seasons, and a B#265million investment from China this week suggests they could soar to another level yet.

Hundreds of millions have been spent on a team boasting the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany to name a few.

Pellegrini, however, said the injuries would not affect his team’s playing style.

Joe Hart said Manchester City can have no excuses for their sorry display at Stoke today.

City are three times winners of the trophy and are top of the Premier League.

“We don’t depend on one or two players”.

“We as a team are working well defensive wise”.

Silva returned from his latest layoff in the 4-1 Capital One Cup victory over Hull and it was like he had never been away.

Leicester’s target at the start of the campaign was to just survive in the Premier League, and 11 more points will virtually guarantee them top-flight football for one more season.

The marquee signing, who has been involved in ten goals in his last ten matches in the league, may have to work through not just Erik Pieters but Philipp Wollscheid, too.

Former Chinese worldwide Sun Jihai played for the Manchester City from 2002 to 2008 and in November was made an official ambassador for the club. Things looked bleak for the Championship side when Bony broke the deadlock with only minutes on the clock as De Bruyne’s effort struck the post and the Ivorian followed up to finish. They are maybe not 100 per cent ready to play every game but he is doing very well.