Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Davies: Manchester City aren't ready to challenge top four

Trotters' forward claims Citizens are not yet in 'elite' class

9 Feb 2010 10:39:00

By Alan Dawson

Kevin Davies, Bolton (Getty Images)
Manchester City are not yet at the required standard to gatecrash the Premier League's 'Big Four', according to combative forward Kevin Davies, whose Bolton Wanderers side take on Roberto Mancini's Citizens on Tuesday evening.

"When Mancini came in, he got a reaction from the players," Davies explained in The Sun. "He won the first three or four games but it's settled down.

"They've great players but they don't seem as keen to impress.

"City won't be challenging for the top four, I think they might miss out this year."

The Eastlands outfit were eliminated at the semi-final stage of the League Cup, yet remain on course for FA Cup progression as they host Stoke City in the fifth round on Saturday afternoon.

City are currently sixth in the Premier League, three points adrift of Liverpool, who currently occupy the elusive fourth spot. However, the City of Manchester side have two games in hand that, should they win, would see them leapfrog Liverpool.

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