Wolves Preview

A crucial game which is certain to put the draws against United and Arsenal into context. My previous theories about our approach to big games have been dependant on results against the so called smaller clubs in the league. This is more relevant than ever this week with Wolves sitting one place above the relegation zone.

Mick McCarthy's men have been very unpredictable this season losing 10 of their last 17 games but pulling of surprise victories against Chelsea and Liverpool. This indicates we must have our wits about us and approach the game with the right attitude. I think Mancini's famous 'negative approach' will change this week even with the absence of Mario Balotelli and fitness doubts over David Silva.

Our main fitness worries surround the Spaniard, who is in a race to shake off the knee injury which ruled him out of the last 3 games.Micah Richards will miss out with a back injury.

As far as the starting line up goes, I can see returns for Nigel De Jong,Vincent Kompany and Gareth Barry. Alexander Kolarov should start at left back with no worries of him being exposed in a game where we are rightfully expected to dominate possession. In the absence of Richards he right-back slot will be occupied by either Jerome Boateng or Pablo Zabaleta, I would much prefer Pablo to start as I think he offers so much more in attack (although not quite the pace and power of Richards) whilst simultaneously looking more solid at the back. It will be a relief to see Vincent Kompany back in the heart of our defence to eliminate any worries and reinforce any chinks in our armor.

Given our inferior opposition, our forward play should be more expansive, I expect Carlos Tevez to lead the line, playing just in front of Yaya Toure, being flanked by Adam Johnson and hopefully possibly David Silva depending on his fitness. If Silva does not pass his fitness test I expect James Milner to come in with his recent good form. This should see Johnson on the right keeping the width with Milner cutting inside, putting the onus on Kolorav to provide the wide threat down the left hand side.

A big talking point before this game has been the introduction of Edin Dzeko. Whilst many of the City fans can't wait to set eyes on their new hero, I believe Mancini will wait and introduce the Bosnian in the second half. Dzeko had not played competitively for 8 weeks due to the Bundesliga winter break and Mancini knows this will have effected his fitness. It was good to see him on the OS however saying how much he wants to start the game and show the fans what he can do. He certainly seems like a confident young man.

My team predictions could be far fetched judging from Mancini's recent team selections and no-one can rule out the inclusion of Jo. I'm going to the game tomorrow and watching the Brazilian in real life is on a whole new level of terrible then watching him on TV. From his prayers when coming on to his ironic applauding of the fans when he goes off, it's one thing I definitely don't want to see tomorrow.

Prediction - City 3-0 Wolves I think we have far too much quality for them to be able to cope with our attacking prowess. My predictions Haven't been the best so far so I'm going to take a big risk to reputation and go for a Nigel De Jong goal, added to by Tevez and a debut goal for Edin Dzeko.