Gareth Barry concedes Manchester City is now focusing on cup success after falling away in the Premier League title race.

City hosts Aston Villa in the FA Cup fifth-round on Wednesday, with the chance to earn a place in the quarterfinals against either Everton or Reading.

Roberto Mancini's side has won just once in five Premier League matches - including a defeat to Manchester United - which has left it 10 points off the leader, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side also having played a game less.

City is also through to the last 16 of the Europa League, where it will face Ukrainian giant Dynamo Kiev.

Having spent significantly over the past two years, City was expected to challenge for the title.

England midfielder Barry admits City is now targeting a top-four finish, which would take it into the Champions League for the first time, and success in the FA Cup and the Europa League.

"Of course the cups are becoming more important for us. It's a big game for us and we've got the incentive of another home tie in the quarterfinals.

"If we get through those two you never know ,and you're getting close to Wembley.

"Although fourth spot is going to be our main target, the cup competitions are going to be massive because it's been so long since we lifted a trophy the lads are concentrating on maybe doing that.

"There are still a lot of games left and we've got to be positive. There's no point in getting down about it, the lads stick together in the dressingroom, work hard on the training pitch and we'll try to get some positive results."

Mancini is hoping Belgium international defender Vincent Kompany will return from a thigh problem against Gerard Houllier's side.

Spanish forward David Silva also missed Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham due to an ankle injury but could be back on Wednesday.

Micah Richards is still out with a calf strain and Nigel De Jong is no closer to returning from an ankle injury.

AFP

(China Daily 03/02/2011 page22)