Manchester City will benefit from fixture congestion says Milner

Mancini has many players to please (GETTY IMAGES)

James Milner is convinced Manchester City are going to benefit from a packed autumn fixture list.

While most managers dread the annual juggling act as they balance their squad against competing interests of league, cup and Europe, at City it is exactly what they need.

After another large influx of players during the summer, the settling-in process has not been easy.

Delayed returns due to World Cup commitments and two international breaks already mean Roberto Mancini has rarely had his squad together at the same time.

It has shown in results, with City winning just one of their opening four games to fall seven points behind title favourites Chelsea, who currently boast a 100% record.

However, with midweek games starting to fill up the fixture calendar, including a trip to Salzburg this week, a Carling Cup visit to West Brom next and then that mouth-watering Europa League encounter with Juventus at Eastlands on September 30, Milner expects City's results will soon start to improve.

"When you come to a new club, you just want to get out on the field," said the England star.

"That is where you really settle in.

"You need to get on with the football, and there is no danger of that not happening because we have a lot of games coming up in the next few weeks.

"Teams are winning games and Chelsea have started very strongly, so you can't afford to lose too much ground."