After a mid-week friendly match played in Abu Dhabi, Manchester City will host Middlesbrough for their FA Cup match this Saturday. While Boro will try to re-live their 8-1 victory over the Citizens years ago, Manuel Pellegrini's men will be willing to live up to the odds, avoiding surprises and placing themselves in the next round of the historic tournament.
This will be the sixth FA Cup game between the two sides, with Middlesbrough winning three of those matches. Meanwhile, Manchester City have played two of the last four FA Cup finals, losing the 2013 edition to Wigan, heavily favored this time against Aitor Karanka's crew. The former assistant to Jose Mourinho knows it will be a tough match to win, but they can't lose hope when visiting the current Premier League champions.
"For us it's a difficult test against one of the best squads not only in the Premier League but the world. They have an amazing number of players, have a good coach and it will be very difficult for us," 'Boro's boss stated.
On the other hand, Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini won't be able to start midfielders Frank Lampard and Samir Nasrie due to injuries, while Yaya Toure remains playing with his National Team in the African Cup of Nations. Pellegrini has told the press he is not worried about the long flight back home, since the team needed some time off and will be replenished when they face their opponents on Saturday.
"It was the right time to have a break and we've enjoyed our stay in Abu Dhabi. Last January we played eight or nine games so it was important to have this time so we can return refreshed," Pellegrini added.
Manchester City vs Middlesbrough team sheets
Manchester City's lineup: Caballero, Zabaleta, Kompany (C), Boyata, Kolarov, Milner, Fernando, Navas, Silva, Jovetic, Aguero.
Middlesbrough's lineup: Mejias, Friend, Ayala, Gibson, Whitehead, Adomah, Leadbitter, Clayton, Tomlin, Bamford, Vossen.
Manchester City's subs: Hart, Demichelis, Sagna, Clichy , Dzeko, Lampard , Fernandinho.
Middlesbrough's subs: Ripley, Husband, Omeruo, Kike, Woodgate, Reach, Wildschut.
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