He also admires the way Brian Laws’ team try to play good football, despite their perilous position, but hopes the Blues can continue where they left off against Wigan on Monday night where a late Carlos Tevez hat-trick saw off a stubborn Latics side.
“Wigan played very well in the first half and we didn’t perform anywhere near the levels we can, but that can happen from time to time,” he said.
“The most important thing was we were much better after the break, played some very good attacking football and won the match.
“I think Saturday will be a similar game because Burnley are fighting for survival. I watched their last home game and thought they fought hard against Blackburn and played some good stuff. “
The Clarets’ early season form at home seems to have deserted them of late, but despite just one win in their last 10 at Turf Moor, Mancini says his team cannot afford to underestimate their Lancastrian opponents.
“They have proved over the course of the season they are not easy to beat on their own ground and I think if we don’t play aggressive, focused football, we could have a problem,” he said.
They have a number of good players and I think we have to respect their team and manager and they will be desperate to win this match because of their situation
...Roberto Mancini
One player who won’t be making the trip to Turf Moor is Stephen Ireland, who is still sidelined with injury at present.
“Stephen is still out unfortunately and I think we’ll probably start with the same players we used against Wigan as we don’t have any other injury concerns at this stage.
“We need to start confidently, defend well and take our chances when they come. It will be a full-house and the Burnley fans make a lot of noise and get behind their team, but we are looking forward to it and it should be a good game of football.”
