Omer Riza spoke to the press to preview our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Stoke City.
The Potters progressed through the last round with a victory over Sunderland and currently sit 18th in the Sky Bet Championship table.
“It’s going to be intense, it’s going to be aggressive," Omer began. "They’re going to want to win and we’re going there with that mentality. I want to win the game. From that game, you could be in the Fifth Round and you don’t know who you could get. It’s another game and it could be a good game. I just want to win and keep momentum going, that’s what’s important for me and the team.
“It’s a different team now under Mark Robins. They were tough, hard to play against, we really should have won the game, but they’re always an industrious team. The crowd expect them to work hard first and foremost, before anything else. That’s what you’re going to get from them. With Robins going there, the style of play may have changed a little bit, but we’re focused on ourselves to go and win the game."
The City boss continued with an injury update on the squad ahead of Saturday's fixture.
“Aaron Ramsey is in a good place, he’s happy and smiling. He’s training with the group regularly so he’s up for selection. He could be involved on Saturday. We’ll manage Rambo accordingly. We’ll use him for the qualities that he’s got and every player is really important to us in the second part of the season.
“He’s got all the experiences in the world, has played at the highest level of the game and he’s just had really bad luck with some injuries. Hopefully now he’ll get over that, he’ll be fit and will be ready to play. We’ll have to manage him accordingly.
“Isaak Davies has trained with us as well now. He’s starting to be reintroduced to the squad. He’s been out a while and we need to manage him safely as well. We’re in a good place and everyone will get good opportunities.
“Isaak could potentially be introduced to some U21 minutes. He had a few setbacks so we have to be careful with him. He’s looking strong and happy, the medical staff are looking after him well. He’ll be ready when he’s ready.
“We’ve had Ollie Tanner in a boot as a precaution. He’s had some scans but we’re waiting to know the outcome of it. He’s injured at the moment. How long it will be, I’m not quite sure.
“Yakou Méïté has picked up a slight strain in his thigh. It isn’t too bad hopefully and he should be fit for next week.
In the January transfer window, the Bluebirds added three new faces to the squad, with Yousef Salech, Sivert Mannsverk and Will Alves joining.
Omer concluded: “I think the squad is nearly, 99% as strong is it can be now. I’m happy with what we’ve got in respect of reinforcements and everyone will fight for positions.
"We have healthy competition and that’s what we need now in the second part of the season.”