Watch Crystal Palace vs Reading Live Streaming
Watch Crystal Palace vs Reading Live Streaming"It will be hard for us because Stoke are dangerous at free-kicks and throw-ins," said the Italian.
"We must prepare very well and we must pay more attention in these situations. If we want to go up the table, we need to change our mentality. But I think we will be ready for a fight."
Tonight's game represents the start of a tough period for the Blues that is likely to shape their season.
In addition to the FA Cup replay against Stoke, with Chelsea lying in wait for the victors, City must visit Stamford Bridge in the league immediately after Sunday's collision with Liverpool at Eastlands.
Not that Mancini can afford to look beyond what happens this evening.
"It is a tough period," he acknowledged.
"But at the moment, all I am thinking about is Stoke.
"In the last 15 minutes on Saturday, we shot too many balls in the air. We must continue to play on the pitch."
Mancini is bound to make changes, which include Patrick Vieira's return to central midfield.
