Arsenal are due on Wednesday night in an intriguing Carling Cup quarter-final then three days later Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea stride into the City of Manchester Stadium.
But popular Argentine defender Zabaleta identifies the visit of Phil Brown’s Hull side as the key to transforming City’s biggest week into a watershed spell that can shape the season.
With Wembley in his sights as well as a top-four spot, Zaby said: “If we can beat Hull we’ll have a lot of confidence going into the tie against Arsenal, but Saturday is the most important game for us for now.
“We cannot even think about what else is coming up, because we have to get three points from the Hull game. It will be tough but we have to win because we’ve lost points in our last six games.
We have only taken six points from 18 and that’s too many lost. We have got to start winning again if we want to be looking at getting up to the top of the table
Pablo Zabaleta
“They are all difficult games but we’re at home and must make that count. Arsenal and Chelsea will be hard - we have a good chance in front of our own fans, but we must concentrate on Hull first.”
Big crowds are expected for all three matches and playing in front of packed grounds, home or away, is something 24-year-old Pablo has relished since his arrival from Espanyol last year.
He said: “Every week is exciting in England - the stadiums are always full and even when you play away there is a great atmosphere because of we have so many of our fans there to watch us.
“It’s different to what I was used to, but I love it. I can see why players want to play over here.”
Check out our online ticket service for details of the last remaining tickets for the Hull showdown.
