Roberto Mancini knows Manchester City must defend set-pieces better
if they are to move into the Premier League top four with victory
at Stoke.
City will edge into that coveted fourth spot if they avoid
defeat at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday night, one of two
matches in hand for the ambitious Blues.
However, Mancini is acutely aware City must defend better
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 objective.
"It will be hard for us because Stoke are dangerous at
free-kicks and throw-ins," said the Italian.
"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."
The Stoke game represents the start of a tough period for the
Blues that is likely to shape their season.
In addition to the FA Cup replay against the Potters, with
Chelsea lying in wait for the victors, City must visit Stamford
Bridge in the league immediately after Sunday's collision with
Liverpool at Eastlands.
Not that Mancini can afford to look beyond what happens on
Tuesday evening.
"It is a tough period," he acknowledged.
"But at the moment, all I am thinking about is Stoke.
"In the last 15 minutes on Saturday, we shot too many balls
in the air. We must continue to play on the pitch."
Mancini is bound to make changes, which include Patrick
Vieira's return to central midfield.
Adam Johnson also appears a certain starter after he was
cup-tied for Saturday's game.
Johnson's man-of-the-match performance against Bolton last
week would probably have guaranteed him selection anyway but with
Martin Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips both doubtful, the former
Middlesbrough man seems destined to occupy a left-sided berth.
Mancini did raise some hope that Craig Bellamy might be
available but as he previously ruled the Welshman out with a knee
injury, not too much optimism can be generated.
So, if both Bellamy and another of Saturday's walking
wounded, midfielder Stephen Ireland, are absent, injury-prone Roque
Santa Cruz might be handed his first start since lasting just four
minutes of his previous one, at Everton last month.
