Wigan preview

The Wigan game is the perfect chance for City to test their 'bouncebackability'. Statistics are pointless on the whole, but it is reassuring to know that City have won every game following their previous four losses of this season. This will be more important than ever if City aren't to lose touch with Tottenham - who are sitting five points above us now - not insurmountable considering the final home clash of the season, but still not favourable psychologically. Micah sees this as the pressure being passed to Tottenham, but surely this is only the case if we resign ourselves to losing the battle with them.

Wigan themselves are an unpredictable opponent. Traditionally we have struggled against them in the Premier League, but this was before Roberto Martinez came along and opened up their style a bit. I watched their victory over Liverpool, when even Liverpool's mediocrity couldn't mask a very good performance from Wigan - where players like N'Zogbia, Diame, McCarthy and Figueroa looked top-class, but then the following game they crashed to a 4-0 defeat against Bolton. The star performer from that Liverpool game, N'Zogbia is out of tomorrow night's encounter - which could allow for the more attacking option of Garrido at left-back.

Martinez has been vocal in his support for Mancini and his success since joining City - "He is an extremely experienced and talented manager and he has given that extra spice to the Premier League." Martinez's teams like to play football and this should hopefully play to City's strengths.

Adebayor makes a welcome return upfront for City and hopefully he can continue the improving form he was showing before his suspension. Tevez could benefit from having a partner to play off - as he did successfully against Fulham with Santa Cruz. After resting De Jong at Fulham, I think it could be Barry's turn against Wigan, as he is still looking a little leaden at the moment and as Vieira only played a small part against Everton, he should be ready to start again.

Mancini is beginning to be known for his Tinkerman-esque changes, so it is hard to pick a probable team, but I think he will opt for an attacking eleven. Possible team:

Given; Zabaleta, Kompany, Toure, Garrido; Johnson, De Jong, Vieira, Bellamy; Tevez, Adebayor.

I think this could be a must win game if we are to stay in the battle for fourth and it will be important for City to react in the right way to the Everton result.