We have to lift the supporters and they have to lift us

It is the first time Mancini has come up against Burnley; when we drew 3-3 there in November they were still under the management of Mark Hughes. Shortly afterwards they traded the grey hair for the scarf, although Mancini has declared today that he's ready now to return to management in Italy.

Ahead of this game he warned his players it could be a tough afternoon. "Wigan played very well against us in the first half and we didn't perform anywhere near the levels we can, but that can happen from time to time," he said.

"I think Saturday will be a similar game because Burnley are fighting for survival. I watched their last home game and though they fought hard against Blackburn and played some good stuff."

Mancini, who says he admires the way Brian Laws likes to play football, added: "Burnley have proved over the course of the season they are not easy to beat on their own ground and I think if we don't play aggressive, focused football, we could have a problem."

Brian Laws admitted: "We have got to turn the form book upside down. They are in terrific form and we are obviously not in terms of results.

"We have to turn that round and that's something that would give everybody a huge lift and put major pressure on West Ham, who play on Sunday, to know that someone is breathing down their necks and grabbing their ankles and pulling them down.

"It's a great opportunity for us and we've got to make it a difficult task for Manchester City. It's not one of those foregone conclusions that they are going to come here and win. There will be pressure on Manchester City coming here. They have to win to stay in touch with the top four.

"We have to win to stay in touch with the rest so it is a pressurised game for two completely different reasons. I feel if we approach the game in the right manner, start the game well and get that first goal we have every chance.

"We have to lift the supporters and they have to lift us. It works both ways. It's important we give our all to get the result.

"We were disappointed last week and we want to lift the mood of the team, the club and the supporters as well, just to give them some hope and that means playing against Manchester City and believing we can win.

"The important thing is getting that first goal. You look at all the games in the Premier League and that first goal is massive. If we can get it, it will lift everybody's spirits and give us something to hold onto because we want to put pressure on them.

"We need to start the game really well, brightly and with hunger."