The Spaniard scored his second goal for the Blues when the team travelled to Saint James’ Park just before Christmas and Garcia admits he would be delighted with a similar showing this time around.
“I have good memories from this fixture because I scored against them when we went to their ground, so I hope this will be a good one too,” he smiled.
“That was a great result for the team and personally I had started to play more consistently and get more games and it was of course great to score!
“It would be nice if I could do the same again on Saturday, but the most important thing is that we win the game.”
Like most of the City squad, the Murcia born midfielder has just returned from international duty and a two week break from league action.
Garcia though insists the team is now fully focused on resuming their fight to retain the Premier League title.
“We’re well used to these international breaks now, people go away on international duty all the time and it’s not a problem,” he said.
“It’s just a case of switching back on now and re-focusing our attention to the Premier League.
“We know we have little or no margin for error; we just have to try and get maximum points before the end of the season.”
Roberto Mancini has certainly shown faith in the 26-year-old, who has made 18 league appearances for the club so far, starting the last eight.
Javi feels this consistency has given him greater confidence and has made him feel more comfortable within the team.
“You do start to feel a little more relaxed and better in yourself when you are playing regularly,” he said.
“You feel better as a team member and as part of the squad, you feel part of things and it makes you feel good.
It’s important now that I try to continue with this consistency because I feel the fact that I have played more minutes has definitely benefited me.
...Javi Garcia...
Garcia already has a league medal to his name, winning the Primeira Liga with Benfica in the 2009-10 season.
He admits adding a Premier league medal to his honours list may be difficult this year; but he hasn’t drawn a line under it just yet.
“It is still possible because there are still nine games left and that is 27 points,” he asserted.
“We know that it’s difficult, but it is not impossible. We’re Manchester City and we have to fight until the end of the season. We have to win every game and try to put pressure on Manchester United.”
“We have the FA Cup too and we are really focused on trying to win that competition as well.
“It will be a fantastic game. Whoever we play against, whether it’s Chelsea or Manchester United, it will be a great game.
“It’s the sort of match we all want to play in and it will be a special venue too - it’s a trophy that we really want to win.”
Having completed almost one full season at the club, Javi says he is settling in well to life in Manchester and feels very much part of the team.
“It’s always tough when you arrive at a new club and especially because I didn’t speak very good English, it was hard,” he admitted.
“But my English is getting better, I think! I have settled in now and I really feel part of things.
“I feel that I have contributed well to the team, but I have a lot more to offer and I’m looking forward to giving more and showing more as a player.”
