City begin their Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday 13 August as they welcome Harrogate Town to the LNER Stadium (7.45pm KO).
Find out the thoughts of head coach Michael Skubala and forward Ben House as well as important match information in this preview.
Michael Skubala’s thoughts:
“We’ve got to look after some bodies but it gives an opportunity for one or two who are chomping at the bit to come into the team. We are going to do everything we can to win the game and get into the next round. We take all cup competitions seriously, we take the league seriously and that’s why we want the depth in the squad.
“It’s always an amazing atmosphere at the LNER Stadium. It’ll be really good to see some fans of all ages, and then we go onto Saturday which is a big one, but first and foremost let’s try and get through this cup and put a team on the pitch that can be competitive and get us into the next round.
“The Burton game was a good result and performance, especially the first 20 minutes. We knew the game would be really open and we knew it would have moments of having big spaces. It was really good to come out with three points, you always want to start the season with a win but we know it won’t define what we do for the rest of the season.”
Ben House’s take:
“It was a tough game [against Burton]. It was tough trying to press them and to try and get at them. The way we bounced back each time was a credit to ourselves, and we deserved the win.
“My fitness will improve game by game. Game fitness is completely different to how you feel off the pitch and in training. I’m fit, raring to go and can’t wait for Harrogate tomorrow and Barnsley on Saturday.
“There are a lot of games and so many different cups, which is why we have big squads with good depth so that other players can shine in those games. We know we all must be involved if we want to succeed this season. We are taking it seriously and we are looking forward to it. Hopefully we can put in a good performance.
“I have missed it [the atmosphere]. We had a little glimpse of it when we played Arsenal. I can’t wait to walk out to the songs. All the boys are buzzing, especially the new lads that haven’t experienced it, so it will be nice for them as well.”
A look at the opposition:
Harrogate have had a difficult start to the season after tasting opening day defeat at the hands of EFL newcomers Bromley in a 2-0 loss.
The Imps will take on the League Two outfit for the second time in just over two weeks, after facing each other during pre-season. The Imps secured a 4-0 win at The Exercise Stadium, with Dylan Duffy, Sean Roughan, Freddie Draper and Rob Street all getting on the scoresheet.
Town manager and former Imp Simon Weaver will be looking to welcome back players from injury including goalkeeper James Belshaw, who limped off on opening day during the first half.
Weaver is the longest-serving manager in the EFL, after joining the club in 2009.
The first-round tie will see the first ever competitive fixture between City and the Sulphurites.
Match information:
City return to the LNER Stadium and Michael Skubala’s side will give a competitive debut to the new home kit under the lights. Click here to buy yours now.
Tickets are still available for the fixture online. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets on the day at a slight price increase. The East Stand, GBM Stand lower tier blocks one to seven, and upper seven will be available for the game, with the Stacey West Stand being opened for Harrogate supporters.
Scott Tallis will be the man with the whistle. His assistants will be Oliver Bickle and Wayne Grunnill, with Elliot Bell being the fourth official.
