Pressure on City to chalk up back-to-back wins
City will be overwhelming favourites to beat Doncaster Rovers tonight and then Scunthorpe United on Saturday, and the City assistant manager doesn't feel the pressure is unreasonable.
City are buoyant after their excellent victory over Blackpool on Saturday, and their performance against league leaders Newcastle the last time they were at the Walkers Stadium. Shakespeare believes that has given the side added belief that they can get six points this week.
However, he has warned against complacency and said both Rovers and Scunthorpe will provide stern tests.
"Inwardly, we know we are capable of winning both games, so it isn't unreasonable pressure," he said.
"We know in this league every team will be hard to beat, but we are capable of doing it.
"Doncaster are one of the best footballing sides in the league and Scunthorpe have picked up some good results lately, so we know it will be tough.
"Sean O'Driscoll has done an excellent job at Doncaster. His sides are always comfortable in possession, move the ball very well. They may have more of the ball than you, so we have to defend well and be disciplined.
"I saw them against Aston Villa in the cup last year and they were unfortunate. They impressed me. But it is about what we do. We know their strengths but we also have to play to ours."
Shakespeare was delighted with City's performance at Bloomfield Road on Saturday but said they must build on that over the next few days.
City have looked much more potent as an attacking force since they have adopted a three-man attack but Shakespeare said it doesn't guarantee that they will utilise that formation again tonight.
"The Newcastle performance certainly gave the players renewed belief going to Blackpool," he said.
"We certainly knew there were a lot of positives to come out of that performance.
"The formation certainly allows you to get at teams at times, but it can also leave you a little open.
"We look at each game and assess it, and pick the team we feel is the best to get three points.
"We knew Blackpool are a very good side going forward and that we would have to be strong defensively. But we also knew that we would the chance to attack them with our pace.
"Both goalkeepers made good saves and Chris Weale certainly showed what he is capable of. He deserves all the credit because he is a very thorough professional. He makes his own luck. He is dedicated and prepares for every game properly.
"We have a few options for tonight as Richie Wellens is back and hopefully Nolberto Solano will also be back, but we will have to see.
"We need that competition and it is a good position to be in."
Former City striker Paul Dickov, who was released by the club last month, has reportedly been training with League One side Leeds.
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