Source: Telegraph
Manchester City fear Stoke throw-ins
Manchester City were held 1-1 by Stoke on Saturday, in the FA Cup, thanks to Ricardo Fuller's goal scored direct from a Rory Delap long throw, which illustrates the dangers of suffering a lapse in concentration at Stoke. [LNB]City have been less than impressive on the road since Mancini's arrival, weak performances at Everton and Hull typified by an unwillingness to engage in a fight. But Mancini insists that his team have changed their mentality and will be ready for a scrap. [LNB] Related ArticlesT?z to miss clash with LiverpoolStoke City v Manchester City: previewTevez granted leave as City heldTour?Patrick Vieira will bring City successMancini: Bridge committed to playing for EnglandSport on television"It will be hard for us because Stoke City are dangerous at free-kicks and throw-ins," he said. "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." [LNB]This match comes at a crucial stage in the season for City. In addition to an FA Cup replay against Stoke, they must visit Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in the league immediately after Sunday's match with Liverpool at Eastlands. [LNB]"It is a tough period," Mancini agreed. "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." [LNB]Whether they are allowed to is another matter - Stoke specialise in moon-ball tactics. Currently sat 12th in the table, Tony Pulis' side will be without Matthew Etherington, after the in-form winger suffered a knee injury on Saturday. [LNB]Fortunately, the damage is not as serious as first feared, scans revealing he has not sustained cruciate ligament damage. [LNB]Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez has been granted leave to return to Argentina for family reasons. Craig Bellamy and Vincent Kompany are struggling with knee and groin problems, respectively, while Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov all suffered knocks in the cup.[LNB]
