MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 15:19:00| >> :120:12212:12212:

Roberto Mancini: Mario Balotelli is a weapon

Mancini: Balotelli is a weapon
© PA Photos
Roberto Mancini believes that Mario Balotelli is Manchester City's Champions League "weapon".

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that controversial striker Mario Balotelli can be a "weapon" in their Champions League campaign.

The Italian star has missed City's first three matches in the competition due to a suspension from last season.

Balotelli is now back in the squad for the clash with Villarreal tomorrow and looks likely to start.

"Mario is going strong and I am convinced that this time it will last," Mancini said. "He will be our weapon in the Champions League. He knows the Champions League from his time with Inter.

"It's an important competition for him because it's the first game after his ban."

Though Villarreal have had a stuttering start to the La Liga season, Mancini believes that they still pose a threat in the Champions League.

"It will be very hard because they are a strong team at home," he added.

"They are not good in La Liga at this moment but it is still difficult in the Champions League.

"If we want to do a good job we will have to have fresh players and play strongly. I am convinced we will qualify, I think nine points would be enough."

City are currently third in Group A with four points from three games.

ID:6975: cacheID:6975:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2202:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Adam Johnson
Read Next:
Adam Johnson "disappointed" by substitution
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton112451017-710
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!