Boyata surprised by City call-up

Dedryck Boyata at first thought he wasn’t in the City side against Chelsea.

But as it turned out, the 19 year old was one of the key men in City's 1–0 victory, which ended the Londoners' 100-per-cent start to the season.

Having starred in City's first–leg win over Manchester United in last season's Carling Cup semi–final, Boyata is not exactly unused to the big occasion.

But coping with an attacking line–up containing Didier Drogba, on a side of the pitch where Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole were intent on causing mayhem, was a different task entirely.

"I have seen those Chelsea guys on TV so often," said the Belgian.

"It was great to play against people like Anelka and Drogba and I have to thank the coach for giving me the chance to play against them."

The question for Mancini is how many of his side does he put into service against Juventus on Thursday.

National pride will ensure he does not want to lose that one.

Having moved to within four points of Chelsea, he will not want to lose the momentum by failing to beat Newcastle next weekend.