Mancini expects Balotelli to improve

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini remains confident that he has plenty of strike options at his disposal to enable his side to defend their Premier League title successfully.

Mancini opted to start with Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero for the 3-1 win at Newcastle United, with Edin Dzeko once again coming off the bench, while Mario Balotelli was omitted from the matchday squad.

Afterwards, despite being concerned that his side had squandered a number of chances, Mancini was upbeat about his array of forwards, saying: "Aguero and Tevez are perfect because they play so well together, but we have Edin to come in as well and Mario."

Meanwhile, Mancini also offered hope to Balotelli, who paid the price for a lacklustre display in last weekend's derby defeat.

"Mario has a future - he is just at home only because he needs to work," Mancini added.

"If he had deserved to play because he had worked well, then he would have done like all of the other players. He is not in good form at this moment. When he is in form, he will play."

The Citizens, who remain six points behind Manchester United after they won 3-1 at home to Sunderland, are 2/1 to win the league title again this season, with the Red Devils 1/2 to take the honours.

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