Second in the Premier League hosts second in the Championship this weekend as Manchester City take on Middlesbrough at the Etihad Stadium.

City come into the match needing to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday, a result that saw them slip five points behind Chelsea in the Premier League title race.

That result ended a 14-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and they will see this weekend's game as a perfect chance to return to winning ways.

The FA Cup could well prove to be City's best chance of winning a trophy this season, with the league in Chelsea's hands and a Champions League tie against Barcelona in the offing.

They will be wary of the Championship opposition, however, having been dumped out by Wigan Athletic in the quarter-finals last season in a repeat of the previous year's final.

They were also given a run for their money by Sheffield Wednesday in the third round this season, only for James Milner to rescue a 2-1 win with his second of the match late on.

The air of invincibility around the Etihad has diminished somewhat this season, and Boro will take heart from the fact that four teams have already beaten City in their own back yard.

The Citizens have been in Abu Dhabi this week, taking part in a friendly against Hamburger, during which Frank Lampard picked up a knock that could make him miss this match.

Elsewhere, Manuel Pellegrini is expected to make changes, including a recall for Wilfredo Caballero in goal ahead of Joe Hart.

Boro will feel that this is a good time to play the defending Premier League champions, not only due to City's defeat last time out but also due to their own fine form.

A 2-1 victory over Cardiff City at the weekend made it six unbeaten in all competitions and only one defeat in their last 15, a run of form that has seen them rise to just one point off the top of the Championship table.

That goal they conceded against the Bluebirds is the only one they have let in in their last six outings, while they boast by far the best defensive record in the Championship.

Aitor Karanka's side overcame Barnsley in the third round, winning away from home in the FA Cup for the first time since 2009.

Boro have also shown their mettle against Premier League opposition this season, taking Liverpool all the way to penalties in the League Cup before crashing out in a record-breaking shootout.

The visitors are expected to name a strong side despite a match against fellow playoff contenders Brentford next up.

Man City:

Form in FA Cup: W
Form in all competitions: DWWDLW

Possible starting lineup: Caballero; Sagna, Boyata, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho, Milner, Jovetic, Nasri; Dzeko

Middlesbrough:

Form in FA Cup: W
Form in all competitions: WDWDWW

Possible starting lineup: Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Gibson, Ayala, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter, Reach, Adomah, Tomlin; Kike

Sports Mole says: 2-0