The absence of Richards has forced Mancini to delve into the EDS for cover. He has included Reece Wabara in the squad. The injuries to de Jong and Milner mean that Vieira will probably continue in midfield after his brace against Notts. Despite all the injuries, the number of attackers at Mancini’s disposal is heartening. Balotelli returns after a clash of heads and Wright-Phillips should make the bench after over-coming a back problem.

Carlos Tevez is likely to start after linking well with Edin Dzeko in the latter stages of the weekends game. David Silva is another certainty to start whilst I am unsure whether Balotelli will also start, or whether Mancini will opt with a midfield three of Barry, Vieira and Yaya. Either option would please me.

Vincent Kompany should return, with his most likely partner being Jerome Boateng after he was rested for the FA Cup game. The ever-adaptable Pablo Zabaleta should shift to right back to compensate for the loss of Richards with Kolarov moving back to his familiar, left back position.