Mancini puts City on alert

Roberto Mancini has called on his Manchester City players to pay more attention at set–pieces as they aim to gatecrash the Premier League’s top four.

City will edge into that coveted fourth spot if they avoid defeat to Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, one of two matches in hand for the ambitious Blues.

But Mancini is aware that City must defend more aggressively than they did on Saturday, when Ricardo Fuller scored direct from one of Rory Delap’s famous long throws, if they are to achieve their aim.

“We must prepare very well and we must pay more attention in these situations. If we want to go up the table, we need to change our mentality. But I think we will be ready for a fight.”

Tonight’s game represents the start of a tough period for the Blues that is likely to shape their season.

Chelsea await the winners of tonight’s game, and City visit Stamford Bridge in the league immediately after Sunday’s collision with Liverpool at Eastlands.