Barry might make it for Spurs game

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Hopes are high that Gareth Barry could be available for Wednesday's showdown with Spurs.

The midfielder was unable to face his old club, Aston Villa, last Saturday due to a hamstring strain but according to Roberto Mancini he could now be in the mix for this all-important clash.

"Gareth will work with the team in training today," the Manager told mcfc.co.uk. "We will see how that goes and we will leave a decision about him until the day of the game. I'm hopeful he will recover in time for tomorrow, but it is a case of seeing how training goes for him before then.

"Stephen Ireland is out, he still has a
problem with his ankle from training
last week and won't be ready in time
for Wednesday."

Following wins at the weekend for both of tomorrow night's sides, Mancini is urging for City to be positive in the race for a place in next season's Champions League.

He adds, "This game is like a final for us. Win, and we are 80% there f or the Champions League. There's still the game in London to come, but we must win this game first.

"Spurs are a strong team, like Aston Villa, but our approach has to be that we are positive when the game starts.

"It does not matter so much if we play well or play badly, but we must win, and for Spurs it's the same situation.

"We're confident, you are always confident after a win like Saturday. It can be fantastic to be in football and we have worked all through the season to be in this situation. We have a great chance now, and we must take it."

mcfc.co.uk

[Bluez]

Seeing how he crumbled in the away game I don't think it was such a bad thing he didn't play against Villa.

[avoidconfusion]

Seeing how he crumbled in the away game I don't think it was such a bad thing he didn't play against Villa.

I wonder if he REALLY was injured to be honest :)

[eastlandsblue]

When I saw Vieira was starting on sat , I was dissapointed to say the least, but after his performance my faith, in his ability was restored. so I hope Mancini keeps faith in him, and leaves Barry on the bench

[david yearsley]

Could be 4-5-1 then ? Don´t be surprised - we can´t go gung-ho imo coz their mid could rip us a new one if they put 5 across the middle which is what I expect them to do

[john@staustell]

I would honestly prefer us to stick with 442, with Tevez playing deeper like Sat, but if Barry is fit put him at LB. He always looks a class above Bridge when he steps back there sometimes. And Vieira, DeJong and Adebayor are all playing very well. Lennon against Bridge fills me with dread! Barry's not quick but he's a much better player in anticipation, tackling and ball-playing.

[Vhero]

Thought we did amazing without Barry. Vieira really excelled without him on the pitch. Maybe it was due to Barry being missing or just a 1 off but I think it was down to they both cannot play together. So missing Barry wouldn't be the end of the world if Vieira plays like he did at weekend.

[Ted Hughes]

Barry who? Is this connected with the volcanic ash again?