Team for Accrington

[Toby or not Toby]

No.

I must have misread that somewhere then

[MBK]

Allen seeks confident and calm approach from City

by Bill Anderson

Leicester City, relishing the chance to make instant amends for Saturday's defeat, will not find it any easier against Accrington Stanley in their Carling Cup first-round tie at the Fraser Eagle Stadium tonight.

Not only do the Division Two side have a reputation for making the most of their humble surroundings against bigger clubs - they knocked Nottingham Forest out at this stage last season - but also City boss Martin Allen will have to make changes.

James Chambers, led off with a calf injury on Saturday, and second-half substitute Jonny Hayes, with a thigh strain, are ruled out while skipper Stephen Clemence, Shaun Newton, Mark de Vries, James Wesolowski and Richard Stearman are all carrying knocks from the game.

Allen said: “We will have a look at the situation nearer the time.

“But this is still going to be a good opportunity to come out and play our football.

“I want to see our players play as they can do and do ourselves proud, be a bit more calm but still competitive.

“Of course, the result on Saturday was disappointing for us all and several of the players were not happy with their performances.

“There will be no let-up, though, and I want them to be calm and cool, and pass the ball with confidence.

“On Saturday, there was a lot of anxiety with the high expectation, four players making debuts, and it can happen that things do not work out.â€

In midfield, Sergio Hellings will be on stand-by while Matty Fryatt would be the logical replacement for de Vries if the big Dutchman does not make it.

While there is no doubt the Championship takes priority, this game is of increased relevance in the wake of the opening-day defeat.

In Allen's words, City need to “get it rolling†as soon as possible and an early cup exit to lower opposition would not improve the mood before Saturday's tough trip to Crystal Palace.

Allen will know full well the place this competition has in the hearts and minds of the Blue Army and will be determined to get a cup run going, just as he has done at his previous clubs.

* Leicester City manager Martin Allen has been backed into second favourite in bet365's Championship Sack Race.

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth: “There was plenty of confidence behind Leicester before a ball was kicked.

“But we trimmed our 10-1 to 8-1 on Allen after the Blackpool defeat, then had plenty of takers at that price, forcing him into 5-1 second favourite. Understandably, Milan Mandaric will want a decent season after splashing the cash.

“But to see money after just one game was a little bit of a surprise