Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has urged his side not to get caught up in the importance of tonight’s make-or-break clash against Spurs.

The two Champions League chasing clubs meet in a  crunch clash at Eastlands, with the hosts only one point behind their fourth-placed rivals with two matches left.

The match has been billed as a straight shootout to land a spot in Europe’s elite club competition - a place that could eventually be worth over $30 million.

However, despite the lucrative prize on offer, Mancini is playing down the significance of tonight’s super-charged showdown in Manchester.

“We must not be nervous,” the Italian said. “We must concentrate 100 per cent because it is an important game for the club.
“But there is no pressure. It is not a war. We are in the Europa League next season. “Now we have a chance to do more. We have worked for a year to get into this position.”

Rumours have been rife that Mancini, who took over the reins following Mark Hughes’ sacking in December, will be cast aside if the club fail to land fourth spot.

But the former Inter Milan manager insists he is only focused on the job at hand tonight, although he refused to confirm he will be in the City hotseat next season.

“Now we must think positive, but I don’t think we have a problem for the future. We work for this. Our target is the Champions League but I don’t know. I don’t think my future depends on this game or any other.”

City have been boosted by the return of Gareth Barry, who missed victory over former club Aston Villa with a hamstring injury.

But reports of his comeback were tempered with news that Joleon Lescott has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign and Stephen Ireland will also miss out.

Spurs, meanwhile, have fitness concerns over captain Ledley King and keeper Huerelho Gomes. And, although Mancini seems worried about the occasion getting to City, boss Harry Redknapp feels he shouldn’t have any problem keeping a lid on things within his squad.

“This lot are the quietest lot of lads you’ve ever seen,” he said. “They’re very laid back. You’ve never met a quieter bunch. They’re not going to get too excited about it all. “It’s the way they are.

The days of having a Tony Adams have gone, they are few and far between now. Everyone would love people like that.

“If you went to Man City, apart from Craig Bellamy, they are all probably quiet there. It’s the same everywhere.  

“City are dangerous though. They are always going to be a threat with a forward line of Adam Johnson, Carlos Tevez, Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor,” Redknapp added. “That is a real potent forward line, but we have good forwards too and can cause them problems, hopefully.”