Manuel Pellegrini has stated that City will have to be at their best to avoid a upset in this Saturday's F.A.Cup clash with Championship side Middlesbrough at Eastlands. City have just returned from their mid-week trip to Abu Dhabi where they took on German side Hamburg in a friendly that they won 2-0. City are looking to bounce back from a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal in their last game, which left them five points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who they face next weekend. Middlesbrough are currently second in the table as they bid to return to the Premier League following a six-year absence. Karanka's team have already tested themselves against top-tier opposition this season, pushing Liverpool all the way to penalties in a League Cup third-round tie at Anfield in September.
Team News
Willy Caballlero is likely to be in goal for City at the Etihad Stadium, should Manuel Pellegrini continue his policy of resting Joe Hart in the cup. Nasri is certain to miss out on the fixture as the midfielder is still recovering from his calf strain. Aguero played 25 minutes in the mid-week friendly so should play some part in the match while Dzeko should start up front after scoring in the same game. Lampard picked up a hip problem in the friendly but will be hopefully passed fit.
Middlesbrough could field the same team that ground out a 2-1 win against Cardiff City on Saturday. Ryan Fredericks (thigh), Rhys Williams (Achilles) and Muzzy Carayol and Damia Abella (both knee) remain on the sidelines for Boro.
Stats
Manchester City, 2nd in the Premier League at this point have accrued 13 points from their last 6 games at the Etihad, scoring 11 goals during the run.
Middlesbrough, though 2nd in the Championship at the moment have failed to score in 46% of the away games so far, ranked 8th on the scoring charts in games on the road.