Richards set for City start

Micah Richards is poised to make his first start in six months against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium.

The Manchester City right-back is fit again after suffering a knee tear against Swansea City back at the end of October.

Richards will be just one of a number of changes the Blues plan to make following their FA Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

Pablo Zabaleta, an ever-present since Richards' injury, will be handed a much-deserved rest.

Roberto Mancini is still tinkering with his line-up, but is conscious of fielding a strong side with second place still to be nailed down and Wigan fighting for their Premier League lives.

Midfielders Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell could come in for Gareth Barry and James Milner, whilst Edin Dzeko could replace Carlos Tevez.

One player certain to start is No.1 goalkeeper Joe Hart, having been forced to sit it out on the Wembley sidelines in preference to Costel Pantilimon.

Spanish playmaker David Silva has had an improvement to his recent hamstring strain, although Mancini also has one eye on Sunday's big trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Citizens are 1.25 to win at home to Wigan on Wednesday evening and are 6.50 to triumph by a 2-0 margin, with Dzeko 5.50 to open the scoring.

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