Manchester City Vs Bolton Wanderers
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DATE: Tue 9 Feb 2010
TIME: 19:45
VENUE: City of Manchester Stadium
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Craig Bellamy is set to miss out against Bolton as a result of his long-standing knee injury.
The Wales forward is meeting with a specialist in London on Monday to get a check-up on the problem, but boss Roberto Mancini does not think it is serious and hopes to have him back by the weekend.
Joleon Lescott has returned to training and is likely to be on the bench after completing 45 minutes of a training match, but Dedryck Boyata could continue in defence as Vincent Kompany is still struggling with a groin problem and Micah Richards doubtful because of a calf injury.
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Patrick Vieira and Adam Johnson are expected to be involved again after impressing in their debuts as substitutes in the defeat at Hull on Saturday, while Roque Santa Cruz has recovered from a calf strain.
Two defeats have seen Mancini already equal the number suffered by Mark Hughes before he was sacked, but the Italian believes the big money spent by his club have put a target on their backs.
"When City play against Bolton or Hull or Wolverhampton they plays always at 200%, but this is good for us because we are growing now and when clubs play against us they are playing against a top squad," he said.
"If we want to be up there we must play at the same level. They fight for every ball so we must change our mentality."
Bolton are likely to be in unforgiving mood for one of their derby matches, and Mancini has been impressed by the Trotters under new manager Owen Coyle.
"I watched Bolton's last three or four games and they have played very well, very aggressively, and changed mentality under a good manager," he said.
"We must concentrate at 100% because it will be a difficult game.
"Two weeks ago they were 2-0 up (after half an hour) against Arsenal in London and this is important because it shows they play very aggressively.
"This match is very important because after we go to Stoke, which could be a battle, and after that we start playing important matches against Liverpool and Chelsea, so it is important we win this game."
Bolton manager Owen Coyle will be without Gary Cahill as the defender recovers from a blood clot in his arm.
The England hopeful was set to be released from hospital on Monday but could miss the rest of the season.
On-loan winger Vladimir Weiss is also absent as the Slovakian cannot face his parent club.
Andy O'Brien (thigh) and Fabrice Muamba (ankle) are both doubtful through injury while Gavin McCann and Ivan Klasnic remain sidelined.
Coyle wants his team to maintain a mean streak during Cahill's enforced absence.
Coyle said: "You are always disappointed when you lose one of your best players. You want them available all the time.
"When they are not available you go with the ones you have and you look for them to do their best.
"The players wear that shirt with pride here and will give everything they can.
"I am sure this group will do all in their power to win points for Bolton."
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