Mancini calls tune on set-pieces

ROBERTO MANCINI has called on his Manchester City players to pay more attention at set-pieces as they aim to gatecrash the Premier League's top four.

City will edge into that coveted fourth spot if they avoid defeat to Stoke at the Britannia Stadium tonight – one of two matches in hand for the ambitious Blues.

However, Mancini is acutely aware City must defend better than they did on Saturday, when Ricardo Fuller scored direct from one of Rory Delap's famous long throws, if they are to achieve their objective.

"It will be hard for us because Stoke are dangerous at free-kicks and throw-ins," said the Italian.

"We must prepare very well and we must pay more attention in these situations."