Mark Hughes will be desperate to get City into some sort of rhythm after their hugely inconsistent start to the season, and a morale boosting win in the cup will do wonders. They have been free-scoring at home; despite a 5-0-5 record, they have scored 24 goals in those 10 games, the most in the Premiership by a clear four. Forest have conceded 22 goals in 13 away games in the Championship.

With Man City’s leaky defence (30 goals conceded in 20 matches) and their potent frontline, and Forest’s capacity for conceding away from home, the 1.71 available on over 2.5 goals looks appealing.

Billy Davies will not have had time to make a tangible difference – and watches this one from the stands.

Team news is that although Ireland and Robinho miss out, Elano starts.

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