Mancini braced for air attack

ROBERTO Mancini is expecting an aerial bombardment from Stoke in his first game in charge of Manchester City at Eastlands on Boxing Day.

The 45–year–old Italian said: "We're not just out to impress.

"We will try to win the points. Stoke are going to be hard to beat."

Mancini’s opposite number Tony Pulis believes Stoke are entering the unknown, saying: “There is bound to be some sort of reaction. “


MANCHESTER United go to Hull on Sunday with left-back Patrice Evra demanding a positive reaction after defeats at home to Aston Villa and at Fulham.

"It's a crucial time," he said. "We always do well in this period and now, more than ever, we need victories."