Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is delighted to see his players smiling again and confident they are now "physically and mentally stronger".
A goal from £18million signing Darren Bent on his debut enabled Villa to gain revenge for the 4-0 humiliation at Eastlands on December 28.
And, with one defeat in five games ahead of the game against Wigan, Houllier admits his camp is a lot happier than the last time they faced City.
He explained: "You can't prepare for a game if someone is pulling a face - it drains the energy. And there was a time when the players playing were moaning and whining.
"We probably have the best job in the world so when you see unhappy people not doing basic things, like being focused and ready, you get angry."
Houllier is pleased with his team's improvement since the turn of the year, adding: "We were probably at our lowest when we played there.
"But in five games since the start of year, we've won two, one away in the FA Cup and one against Manchester City, who are one of the best sides.
"We've drawn two, at Chelsea and Birmingham, coming from behind. I think a couple of months ago it would have been the other way around.
"We have lost to Sunderland, when we were down to 10 men.
"The team is physically and mentally stronger - that is an important aspect. There's a major change there.
"But we have to stay humble. Players must combine ambition and humility - that's the cocktail to win."
New signing Jean Makoun, who is set to make his debut at the DW Stadium, has the right temperament for Houllier.
The manager said: "He'll be travelling, he's always happy, not a moody, moaning kind of player."
The central midfielder, signed from Lyon, may even start the match. Villa also welcome back Emile Heskey from suspension, while Kyle Walker returns from a back injury.
However, Stephen Ireland remains sidelined with a knee injury and defender Stephen Warnock, who has been linked with Liverpool, is still training with the reserves and will not feature.
"When you play five games in 14 days you need freshness in some areas...a team isn't 11 players and 11 sulking, everyone's got to know we all contribute."
