Pellegrini has been encouraged by Manchester City's
attacking exploits in recent weeks.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has backed Wilfried
Bony and Kelechi Iheanacho to impress again up front in the
absence of Sergio Aguero when Norwich City visit the Etihad
Stadium on Saturday.
Aguero injured his hamstring while on international duty with
Argentina earlier this month and is expected to be out until early
November.
However, in the prolific striker's absence, Bony has scored
three times and young forward Iheanacho marked his first
senior start with a goal in Wednesday's 5-1 League Cup victory
over Crystal Palace - somewhat ominous form for
Norwich, beaten 7-0 at City in the corresponding fixture in
November 2013.
Pablo Zabaleta was withdrawn with a knee injury in the fourth-
round win and is doubtful to be back this weekend, although
David Silva could return from an ankle problem, with Pellegrini
keen for his attacking players to make the most of Aguero's
absence again.
"I think in this moment it's important for the team to have
Kelechi and Bony as options without Kun," he said.
"They can play both together as they did [against Palace] - Bony
played well, of course Kelechi was very impressive but Wilfried
is quiet as he knows he has my trust and his team-mates' trust.
"Kun is impossible to replace but we know we have another
option in attack."
While the Premier League leaders, who are top on goal
difference ahead of Arsenal, are unbeaten in six games across
all competitions, Alex Neil's Norwich have not won in the league
since a 3-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth last month.
Defeat on penalties at Everton in midweek in the League Cup
made it four losses in a row for Norwich, who have taken nine
points from their opening 10 league matches since returning to
the top flight.
Dieumerci Mbokani should return from illness for the trip to
Manchester, Neil having rested a host of senior players for their
cup defeat on Merseyside.
"I thought all the boys that came in performed really well so that
makes it difficult going forward," the Norwich boss told the
club's official website.
"Obviously Saturday is a different kettle of fish. We've got to
make sure we balance that out come the weekend, but some of
them will be vying for a place.
"I thought every one of them ran themselves into the ground and
you can't ask for any more than that."
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