NORTHAMPTON PREVIEW | HARRIS
Neil Harris looked forward to City's Carabao Cup trip to Northampton Town as he held a virtual press conference ahead of the Round One match.
The City boss reiterated his fondness for cup ties as he explained how Saturday's clash could benefit the Bluebirds.
"I like the cup competitions," he began. "Especially with the way it's fallen at the moment, it's a great opportunity for us to get minutes into players, looking at Sheffield Wednesday next week as the main focus.
"It's a chance for us to bed down formations, style of play and integrate new players and young players.
"We see it as a potentially very difficult game away at Northampton, but however tough it is going to be, it does present a chance for us.
"If you do get through to the next round, it enables you to keep players happy and give players minutes by rotating the squad. So I do see these early rounds as important"
Northampton Town are one of a select few sides in the third and fourth tiers to have played competitive football since March, having come out victorious in the League Two Play-Offs.
As a result, Harris revealed that he expects a thoroughly competitive encounter with the Cobblers, as he went into more detail on the weekend's opposition.
"They had success in the League Two Play-Offs and will be up to speed in terms of competitive football," he continued.
"They're a very direct side; they play a system that suits the players they've got and the style they want to play.
"They get the ball forward quickly, get after you all over the pitch and are tough to play against. So, we'll have to stand up to a real physical battle and they've got players who can win matches.
"We know it's going to be a tough challenge, but its one we're more than capable of meeting to get through."