City v Brighton. Match preview

Last updated : 14 August 2007 By Michael Morris
Dave Jones will make minimal changes to his squad tonight for the visit of Brighton in the Carling Cup. He says probably just three. I think we should take this competition seriously and try to get the team used to winning matches.

"Winning is always good for your club, it doesn't matter what competition you're in," Jones said.

"It's a competition which teams in the lower leagues have gone a long way in, we're no different to anybody else. But our priority is the league."

Jones is likely to bring in Darren Purse, and then if he sticks to just thre changes, two others. One player I would like to see given a chance is Aaron Ramsey. He might have the chance as Steve McPhail has a knock.

As Jones himself says the league is more important but after last Saturdays disappointing home defeat I think the club should doing their damnedest tonight to get a victory that will give the fans something to cheer (we've not seen a win at Ninian Park in the last 5 competetive games, 4 defeats and a draw).

Jones responded to criticism of his side's performance in the Championship opener, putting the problems down to a lack of firepower up front.

"We have just got to turn our possession into goals. It was disappointing we didn't get anything out of it," he added.

"I don't think anyone can say the performance was bad. Of course, no one wants to lose, but you're not going to decide the league on the first day of the season.

"You look at 10 games and then see where you are."

Brighton welcome Jake Robinson (ankle) back into their squad but Alex Revell (back) is a doubt.

Nathan Elder, Paul Reid and Tommy Elphick hope to play, but Gary Hart, Adam Hinshelwood and Doug Loft are out.

Tonight's game will be settled on the night. There are no replays in the Carling Cup. Last night Peterborough shocked Championship club Southampton with a 2 - 1 win at London Rd, former Bluebird Josh Low was in the POSH team. Let's hope there's not another upset at Ninian Park. Kick off at 7:45pm.