Dzeko could make his City debut in the clash at Eastlands after the striker completed his #27million move from Wolfsburg.
McCarthy was given the rundown on Dzeko's qualities during a chat this week with Wolfsburg boss Steve McClaren.
But he knows that City pose plenty of other threats as they look to avenge a 2-1 defeat at Molineux earlier in the campaign.
McCarthy said: "I spoke to Steve McClaren the other day and he gave him (Dzeko) a really good report.
"But, if we look after him, there are one or two others who might play well.
"I don't think for one minute we can just be looking after him when they have a team of stars.
"Dzeko doesn't have a kick and we are 3-0 down. It would be great that wouldn't it!
"The #27million player has not had a kick and the #32million player (Carlos Tevez) is having a great day and running riot. That would be good!"
McCarthy takes encouragement from the increasing number of shock results that have littered the Premier League this season.
Wolves have been at the forefront and, in addition to beating City, they have also triumphed over Liverpool at Anfield and Chelsea at home.
He said: "People talk about David versus Goliath but that seems to have evened itself out this season with the results that teams have had.
"The giant (Goliath) is getting his backside kicked at the minute occasionally.
"Blackpool have done it, West Brom have done it, we've done it.
"There are other teams that have had results people think they shouldn't get or can't get.
"Nobody gives us too much of a chance on Saturday and City would expect to beat us.
"But it has been proved it doesn't always happen."
Wolves skipper Karl Henry (knee) and defenders Jody Craddock (hip) and Steve Mouyokolo (back) will travel to Eastlands after recovering from injury.
But midfielder Dave Edwards is doubtful with a hamstring injury and full-back George Elokobi will start a three-game ban for his red card in the FA Cup tie at Doncaster last weekend.
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini wants to go down in history as the man who ended Manchester City's 35-year trophy drought.
Twelve months ago, Mancini famously declared his intention to rip down the taunting clock that hangs from the Stretford End at Old Trafford, ticking round each season that ends without silverware on the blue half of Manchester.
The Italian did not get his wish as United emerged triumphant in a thrilling two-legged Carling Cup semi-final.
But the hunger has not gone away. And after another frantic summer of team-building, plus this week's arrival of Dzeko, Mancini believes City are better placed than they have ever been to emulate that 1976 League Cup triumph.
"I would like people to look back on my time here and say I was a good manager, a manager that ended a long wait for silverware - and much more," Mancini told City's official magazine, Manc.
"Nobody knows what the future holds. But the feeling around the club is very good.
"We have improved as a team over the past few months and there is a momentum building up.
"After so many years, the fans deserve success. I believe they will have something to celebrate before too long."
City entertain Wolves tomorrow knowing victory will take them top of the Premier League for at least 24 hours prior to United's tricky trip to Tottenham.
Source: DSG
