Man City ease fixture congestion

Manchester City have avoided an early-season fixture pile-up.

Unlike the eight other English sides in Europe, City, who reached the Uefa Cup via the Fair Play League, did not get a bye into the Carling Cup third round.

Mark Hughes' side were due to play their second round match in the week commencing 25 August, when they already have a Uefa Cup tie scheduled.

But City will now play their Carling Cup tie in the week of the third round, week commencing 22 September.

The balance of the Carling Cup draw meant that City were not allowed to miss the second round.

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Playing on the original date would have meant City faced four matches in eight days, including trips to Denmark and Sunderland.

But, after discussions between the club, the Football League and the Football Association, they have been allowed to delay their entry.

If City reach the Carling Cup third round, that tie will be fitted in at a later date.

The draw for the second round of the Carling Cup takes place on 13 August.

The first leg of City's Uefa Cup second qualifying round tie against Danish side FC Midtjylland is at Eastlands on 14 August, with the return on 28 August when kick-off will be 1625 BST.