Mario Balotelli is poised for a 'tune-up' when Manchester City travel to take on holders FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Italian striker returns from a four-match suspension and has been told by boss Roberto Mancini that he will come straight into the reckoning to provide him with more attacking options.

City are 5.50 to win the Europa League this season while FC Porto can be backed at 26.00.

City want the 21-year-old, who has trained constantly during his absence, to get some much-needed match-time in his legs, before the business of trying to win the Premier League title resumes against Blackburn Rovers the following week.

City are now 1.57 to win the Premier League title while nearest challengers Manchester United are available at 2.50 to finish top.

The Blues have spent the last couple of days studying the Portuguese giants and, in particular, Brazilian striker Hulk, who has been on their radar as a possible transfer target.

They are also ready to rest the returning Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya, following their heartbreak of losing in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations to Zambia on Sunday, and will assess their fitness levels later today.

Mancini admits getting back key personnel could prove a deciding factor on whether they win any silverware this season.

The Etihad chief says: "We will now have all the players back with us in the squad and that will be very important for us."

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