Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says his side must match Stoke’s physical power and win the set-piece battles if they are to progress through their FA Cup fifth round replay at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday (Stoke 15/8, Man City 11/8, draw 12/5 after 90 minutes).

Man City take on the Potters for the third time in 11 days hoping to improve on the previous two 1-1 draws as they look to secure a Cup quarter-final berth.

Mancini says he has now worked out how to combat Stoke’s direct approach but is again expecting a tough clash against Tony Pulis’ side (Stoke evens to qualify, Man City 8/11).

“I understand why it is difficult to play Stoke,” Mancini said ahead of the game.

“The pitch is small and Stoke have the tactic of many crosses, many long balls and many throw-ins.

“For the opponent it is difficult, but if we want to play in the next (round) we must win. We must play like Stoke and fight for every ball.”

The Italian added: “We must prepare very well on set pieces because Stoke on set pieces are very dangerous. We must try to play football if possible, but if it is not possible, then we must try to prepare for the ball being in the air, to jump and fight for every ball.”

The visitors will again be without Carlos Tevez, who is still back in Argentina, while Adam Johnson (cup-tied) and Patrick Vieira (suspended) are also unavailable.

Mancini is expected to make several changes from the side that were held 0-0 by Liverpool on Sunday although Martin Petrov, Kolo Toure and Roque Santa Cruz remain doubtful.

Stoke (33/1 to win the FA Cup) are without suspended duo Andy Wilkinson and Abdoulaye Faye but Matty Etherington is in contention despite a recent knee problem.