FA cup: Villa prevew

I've thought about giving up trying to predict Mancini's team selections as its becoming more and more unpredictable. Last week saw Pablo Zabaleta start in midfield for what I recall being the first time under Mancini. A ploy Hughes used a few times to good effect.

Micah Richards is expected to be fit to start at RB and Silva recovered from the 'ankle injury' that kept him out of the Fulham game at weekend.

Mario Balotelli is expected to continue up front after his harsh criticism on Sunday. To be fair to Mancini he did just answer a question put to him, so to say he singled Balotelli out could be a little unfair. Mancini has obviously seen enough of Balotelli to acknowledge the talent he has although this also works against Mario should he ever not play to the high standard that Mancini expects of him.

Darren Bent is cup-tied so expect Agbonlahor to step in as his (terrible) replacement. Without bent I can't identify a real goalscoring threat for Villa. Other than Ashley young there doesn't seem to be any real threat, although I did say that about Damien Duff and look what happened there.

The incentive of playing Reading in the quarter final should be enough to spur both teams on tonight and presents us with our best chance in winning something this year.

Prediction - City 2- 0 Villa. Although my score predictions have been pretty poor this season I think this one should be fairly routine.
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