Neither Richard Dunne nor Sun Jihai were available for selection due to minor injuries and Ben Thatcher was suspended.

BBC: Danny Mills in action for Manchester City

And Leadbitter dragged a tame shot wide after Sun Jihai, who had a torrid evening, slipped on halfway to gift the breaking Stokes the ball.

BBC: Man City 1-0 Sunderland

City enjoyed more possession in the opening 90 minutes without causing the Doncaster defence too many alarms, save for a Sun Jihai shot in stoppage time which hit the bar.

BBC: SPORT | Football | League Cup | Doncaster 1-1 Man City (aet)

Eriksson made one alteration from the side which beat Sunderland, with Vassell replacing Sun Jihai and attacking midfielder Elano shifting to right-back, a position he has previously filled for Brazil and former club Santos.

BBC: Man City 3-1 Portsmouth

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce, without Joey Barton, Micah Richards and Michael Ball, makes two changes to the side that lost to rivals United last time out, Stephen Jordan and Sun Jihai coming into the team.

BBC: Premiership clockwatch