Mancini sees FA Cup as springboard

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes winning the FA Cup final this weekend could be the springboard for the club to go on and win the title next season. After securing fourth spot in the league and therefore qualifying for next season's Champions League, winning a trophy would round off a thoroughly successful season for the club.

The former Inter Milan manager believes everything at the club is in place to challenge for next season's title but that winning the FA Cup would be the catalyst to success next year.



"I'm convinced that if we bring home the FA Cup on Saturday then next season we'll fight for the Premier League title. The team will be reinforced. It's already good, but needs the spark from a victory," he said.



There is no doubting this City team is one that is going places, but there will be no room for complacency against a Stoke side that is going through a real purple patch.



Although it has been 35 years since the City fans got to enjoy winning a major trophy, Stoke fans have an extra four years on their rivals with their 39 year drought. City will be well aware that despite their tag as favourites, their opponents Stoke will be as harder nut to crack as there currently is in the country.