DATE: 09/03/13
KICK OFF: 17.30pm
VENUE: Etihad Stadium
PREDICTION: 4-0
Preview
On paper, it's City's easiest tie of the season. Though to many, it is also their most important.
The unlikely quarter final clash has definitely presented City with a great opportunity to reach yet another FA Cup semi-final. City are yet to concede in the cup so far and will expect to continue their impressive defensive record against relegation strugglers, Barnsley. Should all go to plan, Mancini's men will either face further Championship opposition in the form of Millwall or Blackburn, or more familiar opponents Wigan, Everton, Chelsea and city rivals Manchester United.
In their way, however, stand Barnsley FC. The Yorkshire side sit firmly in the Championship relegation zone with only 38 points from 35 games. Unfortunately for manager David Flitcroft, their form in this years FA Cup has not been replicated in the league and they could find themselves in League 2 next year.
In spite of this, Flitcroft has revealed that the upcoming fixture is definitely not the biggest game of his career. His side and the fans that follow him will revel in the enormity of the fixture and go into the game without any pressure.
Should the Citzen's fail to progress into the semi-finals, especially considering their opposition, could it be time up for Mancini?
FA Cup runs
Manchester City 3-0 Watford
Stoke City 0-1 Manchester City
Manchester City 4-0 Leeds United
Barnsley 1-0 Burnley
Hull City 0-1 Barnsley
MK Dons 1-3 Barnsley
Line-Up
Mancini has conveyed his desire to win this year's trophy by fielding his strongest XI in each of City's three FA Cup ties. He will also continue his tradition of playing giant keeper Costel Pantillimon in place of Joe Hart.
Vincent Kompany is unlikely to be risked on Saturday evening but should return for the Blues away fixture at Goodison Park the following week. Sergio Aguero surprised everyone on Monday night by pulling out late with a knee injury, he is also unlikely to return. Dzeko is likely to take the Argentine's place following an influential cameo at Villa Park on Monday.
Kolo Toure and Matija Nastasic will have no fears about their involvement on Saturday after a string of impressive displays and will be issued the challenge of maintaining City's 100% defensive record in the FA Cup this year.
Head to Head
September 21st 2004 was the last time the two teams met. City recorded an emphatic 7-1 win with a team that included Willo Flood, Joey Barton, Antoine Sibierski, Paul Bosvelt and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the midfield. The attendance was 19,578; how times have changed.
However, the tie was a Carling Cup clash and our last league meeting with the Tykes goes back to April 2002 in Division 1. This time it was only a 5-1 victory, Darren Huckerby bagging himself a hat-trick.
Records aside, City will be looking to achieve yet another goal-filled victory to fire them into the semi-finals.
Key Players
Carlos Tevez
The tenacious Argentine has bustled his way back into the side and seems to have found his goalscoring form once again. Team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes his international compatriot is back to his best and his class should trouble the Barnsley back four on Saturday.
Luke Steele
The Barnsley stopper will have to be on top form in this weekends clash if his side are to make a miraculous progression into the FA Cup semi-finals. City rivals Manchester United signed the keeper in 2002 for £500,000, however, he was never able to break into the first team. His affiliation with Fergie's men will give him an extra incentive to make sure his side pull off an upset.
Top Scorers
Sergio Aguero
13
Chris Dagnall
9
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