SVEN`S MEN FACE ASHTON GATE TRIP

Sven-Goran Eriksson's Manchester City face a tricky trip to Bristol City in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The Eastlands outfit, who have won their opening two Premier League games under former England coach Eriksson, will travel to Ashton Gate later this month to face the newly-promoted Championship outfit.

Bristol City striker Lee Trundle told Sky Sports News: "It's good to test yourself against Premier League sides. It's one of those where you'd like to be away to soak up the atmosphere. But being at home gives us a chance.

"You've got to take your chance. The league is what we're concentrating on so it's a good distraction for us."

Trundle admits the presence of the former England manager is an extra motivation, saying: "Sven will get a warm reception from us.

"Against a manager like that and some of the players at Manchester City is dead exciting. Funny things can happen - we'll go out as the underdogs and we'll go out to enjoy it and you never know what will happen."

The Robins' city rivals Bristol Rovers will face West Ham who are about to embark on what appears to be a bitter legal battle with Sheffield United.

Rovers, who went up to League One through the play-offs last season, beat Crystal Palace on penalties to make it through to the second round to shock the Championship club who had made a great start to the season with a 4-1 win at Southampton.

Elsewhere, Newcastle will get their campaign off and running with a home tie with Barnsley while Roy Keane's Sunderland will head to Luton's Kenilworth Road, where they clinched the Championship title last season.

Morecambe's reward for knocking out Preston in the first round is a trip to Wolves, while fellow 'giant-killers' Peterborough entertain West Brom and former Manchester United team-mates Paul Ince and Bryan Robson go head to head as managers as MK Dons face Sheffield United.

Fallen giants Leeds will travel to Portsmouth in an attractive tie, while Reading have been handed a trip to Swansea.

Taken from =football365=