FA Cup quarter-finals preview: Manchester City vs Barnsley

Despite Mancini’s claims that the chase for Premier League title is not yet over, the 12-points gap will be difficult to bridge and he will do his utmost to win FA Cup this season, to ensure his team does not remain without the silverware this season. That is why the Italian is likely to field the strong side against the Champiohsip side.

Manchester City team news:

Man City’s second-choice Pantilimon is likely to feature ahead of Joe Hart who will be rested for the FA Cup fixture. Mancini will not risk influential centre-back Vincent Kompany, who has not yet returned to his full fitness, which means Kolo Toure and Matija Nastasic will start in the heart of Man City defense.

Rodwell (hamstring) and Aguero (knee) have been dropped from the squad after picking up injuries.

Barnsley team news:

The left-back Scott Golbourne will definitely miss the game against Man City after damaging his knee against Dons. Ryan Tunnicliffe who has joined the Championship side from Man City in a season-long deal is ineligible to face his former side, while Rory Delap and Jacob Mellis will compete for the starting spot in the middle of the pitch.

Tomasz Cywka is likely to replace Marlon Harewood in the starting lineup, while Chris Dagnall is expected to partner Chris O’Grady up front.