Kelechi Iheanacho admits Manchester City must be on top of their game if they are going to defeat Crystal Palace in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

The Citizens welcome the Eagles to the Etihad Stadium as both sides eye a place in the quarter-final draw and many are expecting the match to be a tight affair.

Palace were agonisingly close to grabbing at point against City at Selhurst Park earlier in the season but they ended up on the losing side after a late strike from Iheanacho.

The Nigeria Under-20 international stole the show on that day and the 19-year-old is in contention to be handed a starting spot for the upcoming clash.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are currently top of the Premier League after Sunday’s 0-0 draw against their Manchester rivals and they are unbeaten in their last three.

Palace have slipped down the standings to seventh after an impressive start, with back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Leicester slightly dampening the spirits.

It is sure to be another intriguing game between the two sides, however, and Iheanacho insists City must be wary of the various threats their opponents possess.

“It won’t be easy because they are a quality side. They are very strong and have very good wingers so they will believe they can come here and win,” he said.

“A few teams have beaten us at home this season and they will fancy their chances so we have to be careful, respect them and expect this to be a very difficult match.”

The hosts are 1.36 favourites to defeat Alan Pardew’s men, a draw is priced at 5.00 after 90 minutes, while the visitors are big outsiders at 8.00.