Leyton Orient v Hull City: Bruce ready to ring changes as Tigers eye trip to the Etihad

Hence Steve Bruce’s admission that he will ring the changes tonight for the trip to south-east London, one that is a potential banana skin but by no means a priority.

The Tigers head to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime to lock horns with the 2011-12 Premier League champions in a game that is already at the forefront of Bruce’s mind.

Bruce said: “We have a really big match coming up at the weekend so we really don’t want any injuries.

“That’s not to say we are going to hold the competition in any disrespect, but that’s the way we are going to do it, so hopefully we will be good enough.

“We want to progress in the Cup so we will treat it like we should do, but it gives me the ability to change things around a bit.”

Bruce is likely to rest Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore for the visit to the League One leaders and a host of other changes are expected. Bruce has also indicated all those who sat on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Norwich are set to start, including new striker Danny Graham and goalkeeper Steve Harper.

But there will be no place for Yannick Sagbo, who is suspended after being sent off on Saturday for an apparent off-the-ball head-butt on Russell Martin.

Livermore is likely to sit out the match at Brisbane Road, but said the tenacity shown by his side on Saturday when they held on to win with 10 men bodes well.

Livermore said: “We showed great resilience and that is something we’re going to need to progress in this campaign.”

Russell Slade’s Orient have begun the season in blistering fashion, winning all five of their opening matches.

Last six games: Leyton Orient DWWWWW; Hull LDLDLW.

Referee: G Ward (Surrey).

Last time: Leyton Orient 1 Hull 2; January 15, 2013; FA Cup 3rd round.