Manchester City start their Europa League campaign at Salzburg without the services of striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is struggling with a dead leg.
Roberto Mancini will also be without defender Joleon Lescott (groin) meaning Wayne Bridge (ankle) is set to make his first appearance of the season.Carlos Tevez and Jo are the only two strikers available to Mancini.
Huub Stevens’s Salzburg have taken only five points from their five league games so far this season.
They are expected to stick with a 4-5-1 formation, with Argentine striker Gonzalo Zarate leading the line at the Wals-Siezenheim Stadium.
City goalkeeper Joe Hart says they are keen to put the disappointment of a 1-1 home draw against Blackburn on Saturday behind them Juventus and Lech Poznan also in City’s group.
“It will not be easy, the place will be buzzing and Salzburg proved last year winning their title and their group in this competition that they are a decent side,” said the England number one.
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“We have been solid defensively all season and that is important when you go away from home in any competition.
“We are in a very competitive group for qualification, and in such circumstances getting off to the fastest of starts is important. We can’t take anything for granted.”
