World NewsHughes Ready for Milan Backlash |
MARK Hughes is hoping for a backlash from AC Milan when they tackle Manchester City at Eastlands tomorrow.
Hughes is not so bothered about the embarrassing 5-0 defeat suffered by the Serie A giants at the hands of Chelsea in Russia last weekend.It is more the prospect of a meaningful game for his own side as they round off their pre-season programme.
"Milan's result against Chelsea surprised me," Hughes told www.mcfc.co.uk.
"You do not often see them lose 5-0. We are the next in line so we had better watch out.
"But in a way I hope there is a backlash because we want a competitive game.
"Some pre-season games don't have a lot of contact in them and are not games that prepare you in the correct way, but I anticipate that this one will be very different and I am looking forward to it."
With Danish outfit FC Midtjylland to face in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, City have plenty of work ahead of their trip to Aston Villa next weekend.
Hughes is set to draft Elano back into his squad now the Brazilian has recovered from the thigh strain that kept him out against Celtic in midweek.
Valeri Bojinov is pushing for a start as he completes his recovery from cruciate ligament damage suffered against Manchester United 12 months ago.
In defence, new signing Tal Ben Haim should partner Micah Richards in central defence as skipper Richard Dunne is suspended for the opening two Premier League fixtures of the season following his dismissal in the last day humiliation at Middlesbrough.
"It is another big test for us," said Hughes.
"It is the right game and the right quality of opposition at the right time. We have to reinforce what we are trying to do.
"I think Milan will bring a strong squad. They have some exceptionally gifted players and they will be here to do a job as well."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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