MANCHESTER - Manchester City kick off the pivotal phase of their season when they attempt to overturn a Europa League first-leg deficit against Sporting Lisbon tonight.
Roberto Mancini's side go into the game at Eastlands on the back of two defeats in the space of four days, a run that has raised questions about whether they will last the course this season.
They were beaten 1-0 in Lisbon last week, with captain Vincent Kompany limping out in the early stages in Portugal.
Then came another damaging loss by the same scoreline at Swansea on Sunday, which saw City lose top spot in the Premier League for the first time since October.
They now trail Manchester United by a point in the Premier League with 10 matches remaining and after facing Sporting today, they host Chelsea next Wednesday.
By then they could be four points behind the champions, who head to struggling Wolves on Sunday.
The domestic title is undoubtedly City's priority.
But with six days before they face Chelsea, due to the London club's participation in the FA Cup, Mancini is likely to go with a strong selection as City look to wipe out the advantage gained by Xandao's goal in Portugal last week.
City's failure to score in successive matches for just the second time this season has sparked a clamour for Carlos Tevez to be recalled to Mancini's squad for the run-in.
The 28-year-old Argentina striker has played in two reserve matches since returning from three months in his homeland without permission.
But he was not included in the Europa League squad submitted by Mancini in January and will have to wait until next week's home game against Chelsea for his first senior appearance since September.
Although the Europa League is widely derided, Mancini will be keen for City to progress.
Europa hurdle for Man city
MANCHESTER - Manchester City kick off the pivotal phase of their season when they attempt to overturn a Europa League first-leg deficit against Sporting Lisbon tonight.
Roberto Mancini's side go into the game at Eastlands on the back of two defeats in the space of four days, a run that has raised questions about whether they will last the course this season.
They were beaten 1-0 in Lisbon last week, with captain Vincent Kompany limping out in the early stages in Portugal.
Then came another damaging loss by the same scoreline at Swansea on Sunday, which saw City lose top spot in the Premier League for the first time since October.
They now trail Manchester United by a point in the Premier League with 10 matches remaining and after facing Sporting today, they host Chelsea next Wednesday.
By then they could be four points behind the champions, who head to struggling Wolves on Sunday.
The domestic title is undoubtedly City's priority.
But with six days before they face Chelsea, due to the London club's participation in the FA Cup, Mancini is likely to go with a strong selection as City look to wipe out the advantage gained by Xandao's goal in Portugal last week.
City's failure to score in successive matches for just the second time this season has sparked a clamour for Carlos Tevez to be recalled to Mancini's squad for the run-in.
The 28-year-old Argentina striker has played in two reserve matches since returning from three months in his homeland without permission.
But he was not included in the Europa League squad submitted by Mancini in January and will have to wait until next week's home game against Chelsea for his first senior appearance since September.
Although the Europa League is widely derided, Mancini will be keen for City to progress.
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