The Blues just edged past Crystal Palace in the Premier League fixture in August, and Sagna says Alan Pardew’s side will be just as difficult to face at the Etihad Stadium this Wednesday.
Palace have seen off Shrewsbury Town and Charlton Athletic in the previous rounds, scoring four goals on each occasion and have also beaten Norwich, Chelsea and Watford on their Premier League travels so far.
And it won’t be lost on City fans that Pardew masterminded the Blues’ exit in the same competition with a surprise victory for Newcastle last season at the Etihad.
“This is a cup match and it’s going to be totally different and its win or bust and we need to focus on our team and not theirs and take the game to them,” said the City defender.
They are quick and physical and they will come here believing they can win so we have to be at our best
...Sagna #3...
Sagna admits the Blues’ defence could be in for a busy evening with the combined wing talents of Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie a threat down either flank for the Eagles.
“They are very dangerous, both of them,” he said. “They are fast, tricky wingers and physically powerful as well and I think they are clever in the way they play.
“It won’t be an easy game and we only beat them with a last-minute winner at Selhurst Park.
“I also know Yohan Cabaye is another quality player for Palace. I k now him well from the national team and he is very good, very clever with a great passing range and can dictate the game.
“I think since he returned to England he’s brought a lot more stability to the Palace team and he brings a similar quality to them that David Silva brings to our team.
“We need to set the tempo and dictate the play and make home advantage count because this is a competition we want to win.”
