Roberto Mancini will give Manchester City’s fringe players a chance – if the Blues beat Swansea City on Saturday and move closer to cementing second spot in the Premier League.
Manchester United sank Aston Villa last week to end City’s dream of retaining their title, leaving the champions to focus on securing a second-place finish.
And the Italian’s dual aim is to do this as soon as possible, as well as regaining the FA Cup crown by beating Wigan Athletic at Wembley this month.
“It’s important for us tomorrow to win against Swansea,” said Mancini.
“If we win tomorrow we can give a chance to the young players and also the players that play for the second team maybe to play the last two games.
“There is only one strategy at this moment – to get second position and try to win the FA Cup. After this we will start to work for next year.”
This announcement may be good news for the likes of Scott Sinclair and John Guidetti, who have found themselves largely ignored in recent weeks.
City travel to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday to take on Capital One Cup winners Swansea – a side without a win in six games.
Mancini has been impressed with his opposite number, Michael Laudrup, but insists the Swans were playing good football before the Dane took charge this season.
“Swansea did very well also last year,” added the 48-year-old. “They had a good season and they continue to play very well this year.
“They won a trophy, which I think for them was very important and at this moment they can play without problems.”
City have no fresh injury concerns and Mancini is expected to field a strong side in order to edge further away from the chasing pack, led by Chelsea.
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