Man City tipped to end trophy wait in 2011
Manchester City moved in from [7.0] to [6.2] to lift this season's FA Cup after seeing off Leicester 4-2 in their third round replay at Eastlands on Tuesday evening.
Citizens boss Roberto Mancini was critical of his team's display in the victory, suggesting that they must improve, work harder and show greater concentration, however the success puts them in a strong position to reach the fifth round, with League One side Notts County their next opponents.
The title challengers haven't won a top-level trophy since getting their hands on the Carling Cup in 1975-76 - a fact that fans of neighbours Manchester United, who are [5.2] frontrunners to win the competition for the first time in seven years, revel in reminding them of - but Mancini is well placed to end that run.
The Italian tactician has claimed domestic silverware at every club he has ever managed, going all the way in the Coppa Italia within two years of his arrival at Fiorentina, Lazio and Inter Milan. He boasts ten winners' medals in total, six earned as a player and four in his coaching career.
The FA Cup presents one of three opportunities open to Manchester City to end their trophy drought in the 35th season of the famine. They are also well supported in the Europa League, ranked clear favourites at [5.4], and will have to overcome five more teams to make that possible. The first of those is Greek side Aris in February, while Besiktas or Dynamo Kiev await them in the round of 16.
It's the most attractive prize of the lot that they are least fancied to win this year, with odds of [8.6] offered on them finishing top of the Premier League. Their current position is encouraging, as only goal difference separates them from Manchester United, though the Red Devils' two games in hand and greater experience of the run-in is expected to prove vital.
Mancini admitted a few months ago that qualification for the Champions League for the first time was Manchester City's primary target for this campaign however and it's one that they are [1.2] to achieve.
Will they win any silverware this season? Share your thoughts below...
Published: 19 Jan 2011
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