And if it does he believes City are strong enough to cope with all the pressures involved with clinching a Champions League berth.
Roberto Mancini’s men have been licking their wounds since the 2-0 defeat to Everton on Wednesday night when, despite some good football and plenty of possession, they rarely looked likely to find the back of the net.
But that could change against Wigan on Monday night when the Togo star returns from a four match ban after being sent off at Stoke.
Richards, for one, believes he will make a difference.
“Emmanuel Adebayor is one of the best strikers in the league,” declared the defender who has been in good form himself recently.
“He has had an up and down season and had to endure that horrific attack at the Cup of Nations in Africa but I am sure he will be fully tuned up for the last eight games.
Ade was on fire before the latest suspension hopefully he will be in the same form when he comes back into the side
...Micah Richards
“Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy have been exceptional all season especially when it comes to goals but Ade will give the manager another option and offers a different dimension. If he finishes the season like he started it then we will really benefit.”
Despite the defeat to the Toffees, Richards believes that confidence remains high that fourth place is still on the agenda.
“If we will all our games then we will be in the top four,” he stressed. “That is a big task considering some of the games we have left but it is not impossible. That is what we have got to aim for.
“It is all about confidence and momentum at this stage of the season. We have plenty of experienced heads in the dressing room – players who have won titles, Champions Leagues and a World Cup.
“We have players who know what it is like to perform under severe pressure and on the biggest domestic and international stages so we know we can cope mentally.
“What we need to do is get back to winning ways against Wigan on Monday and take it from there. There are bound to be twists and turns along the way.”
