Gary Bowyer hopes his Blackburn Rovers side get the chance to pit their wits against Manchester City’s superstars on Wednesday night.
The teams meet in their FA Cup Third Round replay at the Etihad Stadium, after Rovers secured a deserved 1-1 draw at Ewood Park last week.
And after City boss Manuel Pellegrini utilised his squad in that game, Bowyer is hoping to see a few more of the big names back on Wednesday and how his players can react to that challenge, particularly in defence.
Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper replay
8.10pm, Wednesday 15 January
Etihad Stadium
Winners receive £67,500
Live on ITV1
"Mr Pellegrini has a problem to fit Aguero, Dzeko, Silva and Negredo in the same forward line, hopefully not all of them at the same time," said Bowyer, who was appointed as Rovers boss last summer after previously working with the club’s academy.
"Aguero's an outstanding talent and it would have been a great challenge for Scott [Dann] and Grant [Hanley] to pit themselves against him in the first game so if he's playing - great.
"Mr Pellegrini was fantastic after the [first] game, he was very complimentary.
“He's a very humble man and he's producing some fantastic players.
“We're just looking forward to the occasion and we've just got to go and enjoy it and give a good account of ourselves."
Highlights from the first tie at Ewood Park.
Wednesday’s short trip across Lancashire also holds a special meaning for Bowyer on a personal level – his father Ian began his playing career with the Sky Blues.
And it will be a good occasion for Bowyer and his family, even though former European Cup winner Ian has been dispatched on a scouting mission for Rovers on the night.
"Obviously when the draw was made it was special to him because that's where he started his career," admitted Bowyer.
"He won the Cup Winners' Cup with them in Europe so he has fond memories of the club. I'm sure he'll be wishing that we can get something from the game."
