Silva: This is our time

18 October 2011 08:25
David Silva is convinced Manchester City will still make their mark in the Champions League despite making life difficult for themselves.[LNB] After collecting just one point from their opening two Group A games against Napoli and Bayern Munich, City are anxious to register their first victory as Villarreal visit the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.[LNB]With City top of the Premier League, their European results contrast with their domestic form but Silva sees that as an anomaly.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "We have got a lot of games under our belt in the league.[LNB]"In the Champions League we have only played two games and those two games were against top sides.[LNB]"Maybe it is a case of needing a few more games under our belt in that competition too in order to get the same consistency we have been showing in the league.[LNB]"We have made things a little bit hard for ourselves but we can start to improve tonight."[LNB]Villarreal have lost both their games in the competition and, after finishing fourth in Spain last season, are a lowly 13th in La Liga after a goalless draw at Getafe on Saturday.[LNB]Silva, however, knows plenty about the 'Yellow Submarine' from his time at their rivals Valencia and is reading little into their current form.[LNB]The 25-year-old, who scored in a 4-1 win over Villarreal in January 2010, said: "They are a great side.[LNB]"They like to keep hold of the ball, they like to pass it around and they can also hit you on the break.[LNB]"We have got to be careful and try to retain as much possession as we can and avoid being hit on the counter."[LNB]Silva, who has been in outstanding form this autumn, is set to return to the starting line-up after starting Saturday's 4-1 win over Aston Villa on the bench.[LNB]Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko were also kept in reserve by manager Roberto Mancini and are back in contention while Sergio Aguero has recovered from a groin injury and trained yesterday.[LNB]Mario Balotelli is again forced to miss out through suspension and Carlos Tevez, the subject of disciplinary proceedings, continues to train apart from the first-team squad and is highly unlikely to be recalled.[LNB]Mancini said: "If we beat Villarreal I think everything can change for us in the group.[LNB]"We must win this game but it is important we are strong enough. I don't think it will be easy."

Source: Team_Talk