Pearson Considers Cup Options

It is a competition both Pearson - once a winner and twice a runner-up - and Leicester - three-time winners - have a proud record in and City's run to the quarter-finals of last season's competition added valuable momentum to their charge to promotion. 

But while victory and progress will be the only goal for Pearson's side on Tuesday night, he admits that Premier League priorities will have an influence on team selection against Micky Mellon's men. 

He said: "It's more than likely that I'll make more changes than I would do normally due to our current situation, but we'll see how they are tomorrow. 

"Some of our Under-21 squad took part in pre season and did very well and we also have players in the first team squad that need a game. 

"It's fair to say there will be changes, probably more than I would have liked to have made, but the team selection will be made with the weekend game (against Arsenal) in mind too." 

Pearson has Danny Drinkwater (hamstring), Matty James (shin) and Jamie Vardy (thigh) all sidelined at present and it is unlikely any of them will be risked on Tuesday night. 

Dean Hammond was replaced during the second half of the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge with cramp and while Pearson expected the midfielder to be fit for Sunday's visit of Arsenal, it is unclear whether he intends to call on Hammond's experience in midweek. 

"Dean was unwell before the game on Saturday so dehydration played a part with him and I thought he did very well. He'll be fine this week," Pearson said of the former Southampton midfielder. 

"Danny Drinkwater should rejoin the main group at some point this week, Jamie Vardy is making progress and will hopefully be available towards the end of the week. 

"Matty James - we'll have to be a bit more careful with him, but we hope to have him available after the Arsenal game." 

Tickets for Tuesday night's visit of Shrewsbury Town remain on sale from the City Fanstore, online at and from the City Sales Centre on 0344 815 5000.