• Premier League

It's 'do or die' time for City - De Jong

ESPNsoccernet staff
May 9, 2011
Nigel De Jong is ready for two huge games © PA Photos
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Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong is gearing up for a "do or die" week as the club prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur and the FA Cup final against Stoke City.

Fourth place City face fifth placed Tottenham on Tuesday night with a place in next season's UEFA Champions League at stake. Victory for Roberto Mancini's side would guarantee their participation in Europe's show-piece tournament next term.

Then on Saturday, City can end a 35-year long wait for a trophy when they take on Stoke in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

And De Jong admits City need to put everything into the next seven days to make sure their season is a successful one.

"This is a very important week for the club, the players and the fans. This is do or die for Manchester City," said De Jong. "Fourth place is in reach and everything is in our hands. We just have to win that game. We then have a chance to be FA Cup winners"

Mancini will make a late call on whether to choose skipper Carlos Tevez for Tuesday's pivotal encounter with Tottenham.

The South American striker was absent for the fourth game since injuring his hamstring at Liverpool when he missed Saturday's defeat at Everton but Mancini wants Tevez to prove his fitness ahead of next weekend's FA Cup final.

Gareth Barry is expected to be available after recovering from what Mancini described as "a minor problem" at the weekend.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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