Mancini wary of Bent factor

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is wary of the impact of Darren Bent ahead of his side’s trip to Villa Park this weekend.

Aston Villa broke their transfer record this week when they paid 18 million pounds for Bent who was Sunderland’s top scorer.

The England striker has been one of the most prolific forwards in the Premier League over the last few years and Mancini thinks his arrival at Villa can inspire them to climb clear of the relegation zone.

“Darren Bent is a fantastic striker and has scored a lot of goals in England,” said the City manager.

“For us it will be harder on Saturday because Villa with Bent will improve a lot.”

“He has scored a lot of goals, around one every two games, and that’s why Villa have signed him. Villa are a good team with a good, experienced manager. At the moment they deserve to be higher in the table.”

“When you change the manager it’s difficult but I think Gerard Houllier has the experience to move the team up the table. Saturday will be very hard, if we want to win we must play very well.”

City are also enjoying the impact made by a big-money signing in Edin Dzeko.

The striker from Wolfsburg impressed on his debut last weekend, capping a fine all-round display with an assist in City’s 4-3 win over Wolves.

But Mancini reckons it will take time for the Bosnia international to adapt to the English top flight.

“Dzeko played very well,” Mancini said, adding: “He needs to improve though.”

“Like all players who come from other countries he will need four or five games to understand the Premier League. This is different from the other championships.”

With Mario Balotelli carrying a knee injury, Dzeko is expected to start alongside Carlos Tevez in attack at Villa Park.

In defence, Mancini could be without Micah Richards who is still recovering from a back problem.