• Premier League

City set to be at full strength for United visit

ESPN staff
April 24, 2012
Micah Richards is one of few injury concerns for Roberto Mancini © PA Photos
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Roberto Mancini is hopeful his Manchester City squad will be at full strength for the crunch clash against Manchester United on Monday.

The Italian manager has slight concerns over both Yaya Toure and Micah Richards going into the potentially decisive Premier League encounter against their arch-rivals, as his side look to erase the three-point difference between the two clubs in the title race.

However, Mancini is hopeful both players will be fully fit by the time Monday's game at the Etihad Stadium rolls around, with Mario Balotelli also an option for his manager after completing his suspension for a sending off against Arsenal.

"If Yaya Toure is on form, he is a top player," said Mancini. "But we need him to be 100% and on Sunday he was so-so.

"We also need to check on Micah Richards to see how his hamstring is.

"Providing he has recovered, with Mario Balotelli back from suspension, we will have everyone."

Mancini received an unexpected vote of support from City owner Sheikh Mansour earlier in the week, and concurred with his usually reserved boss about the nature of the club's season so far.

"We are happy to be where we are," Mancini said. "We already have 10 more points than we got last year, and I am happy that we can finish the season well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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