Nigel Pearson is challenging his central defensive duo Zak Vyner and Tomas Kalas to rise to the occasion and stand up to the test of Erling Haaland.
Manchester City's prolific frontman scored his 33rd goal of the season on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's side fired an FA Cup warning shot by putting four past Bournemouth. Haaland is likely to start this evening after his manager confirmed he will opt for a "serious" starting XI despite still competing on three fronts.
The Norwegian was replaced after 72 minutes at the weekend, perhaps with an eye on the tie at Ashton Gate, but also because this is their fifth successive away game. Even if Julian Alvarez gets the nod in attack, this will undoubtedly be Vyner's toughest test of his career so far, but also a challenge he is likely to relish given the way he has forced his way back into Pearson's plans.
It's been well publicised that the 25-year-old had discussions about leaving the club in the summer having lost his place in the first-team due to a loss of consistency. Barring the arrival of Kal Naismith, City's difficulties in further bolstering their ranks at the back including Timm Klose's drop in form allowed Vyner his shot at redemption which he has grasped with both hands.
Arguably City's Player of the Season so far, his opportunity to go up against one of the worlds best almost feels significant for the way he has rejuvenated his career with the club and Pearson is backing him to continue his progression. He said: "I think whoever plays against Haaland is in for a night where they have to be at their absolute best.
"He's already proved what a good finisher he is but what a tremendous athlete too. I'm sure Zak will continue to do what he has done all season and that is to be very visible for us. He's had a really good season and I'm sure he will look forward to the challenge."
"The big thing for us is that we can have individuals play very, very well but the most important thing is that the collective effort is the most visible too because when you play against top sides, that's what you need to try and do.
"You need to add a different element by being very difficult to play against both in and out of possession."
Pearson is also hoping to call on Kalas' experience of playing at the top level to come to the fore. It's a huge test for the 29-year-old after making just his first start in 11 months on Saturday following a string of knee and groin injuries.
Kalas never looked as though he had been away and was integral to keeping a clean sheet against Hull City but the threat of Man City's pace, precision and intricate movement around the box will prove a unique challenge. He's no stranger to playing in big games with 28 international caps to his name and Pearson believes that will prove important on Tuesday.
"Kalas is an experienced player, he's an international too so he's played at a level where he knows what he's good at," he added. "I would expect him to use his experience as he did at the weekend to fill in the spaces of any potential gaps that might be in his game and I think that's what experienced players do.
"They are able to make adjustments because they can understand their own game. Of course, like everybody else he has to be at the top end of his game.
"With any experienced player, I think it's really important for them to lean on their past experiences to help them through."
The City manager was keen to stress that he won't compromise his 4-3-3 formation that has proved integral to their 12-game unbeaten run but knows they have to be clinical because chances are likely to be at a premium. Pearson added: "It's not just about us defending against them.
"We've been a counter-attacking side this season and we'll need to convert chances that come our way. We probably won't create as many chances as we usually would do but when chances come our way we need to be clinical.
"I certainly don't want to stop our players from being themselves but what is important is that when we do something, we're all doing it. Our preparation and the way we approach the game will be the same as any.
"I don't see any reason to think differently. How you deal with anybody you pick to play, you have to judge where they're at. Some players need encouragement, some players need reassurance and some players need nothing.
"It depends on the individual so don't make the assumption senior players and young players are different in that - there are occasions what you wouldn't expect is what is needed."
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