Mancini ready to fight fire with fire

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is confident his team knows what it will take to find a way into the FA Cup quarter-finals.

This evening’s fifth–round replay at the Britannia Stadium will be the third time City have come up against Stoke in 11 days, after the two sides played out 1–1 draws in the original cup tie and the Premier League.

The Potters have been more than a match for Mancini’s richly–assembled side on both occasions, with Rory Delap’s long throw–ins proving particularly problematic.

City have struggled to cope with Stoke’s direct approach, but Mancini believes his players are ready to secure a trip to Chelsea in the last eight.

City were booed by their own supporters at their past two home games and go into tonight’s contest with only two wins from their last seven matches in all competitions.

Mancini’s team are currently fifth in the league but Sunday’s goalless draw at Eastlands with fellow Champions League contenders Liverpool gave little indication that they are ready to seize the top–four place they desire.

City fans made their feelings known at the final whistle as they had done the previous weekend against Stoke, but Mancini – who has been without his top–scorer Carlos Tevez for two weeks – insists he is not worried by their reaction and feels things are still looking up.

Tevez will be absent for a fourth successive game this evening, although he is expected to play in City’s crucial match at Chelsea in the league on Saturday.