Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson says the club's local players will have every chance to establish themselves.
However, Eriksson still found room for four former academy stars in his current starting line-up, including England star Micah Richards, with another on the bench in the former of Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha.
"It is fantastic to have all these young players," said Eriksson.
"You can only congratulate the academy for the work they have done."
At a time when Eriksson's eight new signings are still finding their feet, the contributions of Richards, Michael Johnson, Kasper Schmeichel and midfield schemer Stephen Ireland are a key component of City's excellent form.