Source: Man_City
Mancini: Goal difference could be key
Roberto ManciniManchester City boss Roberto Mancini reckons goal difference could be key in the race for fourth place in the Premier League. With 14 goals in three matches, the Blues head into the home derby against Manchester United on Saturday in a rich vein of form. That good run has seen City cement fourth place, but Tottenham lie only a point behind following their victory against Arsenal on Wednesday night. It seems a straight fight between Mancini and his managerial counterpart Harry Redknapp for a coveted Champions League place and the former Inter Milan boss is up for the challenge. "We know that it is vital we have a good goal difference because that could possibly decide who finishes in fourth place, " Mancini told www.mcfc.co.uk. "We have been scoring a few goals in recent weeks, which is good. There is no reason we cannot continue to keep scoring if we play in the manner we have been of late, no matter the opposition." Wayne Bridge could be set to face United as he has recovered from a hernia operation which caused him to miss five matches. The full-back is one of four players who are in line to return with Stephen Ireland (ankle) and Patrick Vieira (knee) on the mend following injuries while Pablo Zabaleta is free from suspension. Bridge has endured a troubled season on and off the pitch and only returned to action against Hull in February after missing 13 games because of a knee problem. Mancini said: "We will have Pablo Zabaleta available again following his two-match ban and possibly Stephen Ireland, Patrick Vieira and Wayne Bridge too which is very good news for us. "I am very pleased they are back in training and we will see how things go this week. It is good that we are getting everybody fit at such a crucial time of the season with so many important matches to come." What do you think? Have your say.
