Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits he will make changes for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon but insists he is taking the competition seriously.

City go into the last-16 tie a goal down from the first leg in Portugal and on the back of two consecutive defeats.

Xandao’s second-half strike was enough to give Sporting a 1-0 lead going into the game at Etihad Stadium but they will be mindful of how compatriots Porto fared in Manchester in the previous round.

Porto’s European adventure ended in emphatic style following a 4-0 defeat on English soil.

City have been imperious at home this season and the Italian is confident his side can finish on a high note – both at home and on the continent.

“We can’t think negative at this moment. We are positive and we think we will win the Premier League and the Europa League,” said Mancini.

“If we thought differently, it would be a mistake. It would be everything to win both competitions.”

Gareth Barry looks set to miss the match with a back problem while defenders Vincent Kompany (calf) and Pablo Zabaleta (hamstring) are definitely ruled out. Joleon Lescott has recovered from a groin injury and could return on the bench.

Mancini will select a side capable of winning the tie but believes change is necessary during a hectic run of fixtures.

“Sometimes these players need to rest – it is impossible the same team can play every game. We have a team of 20 players,” added Mancini.

“We want to win and we need to do our best if we want to beat Sporting.”

The City manager will be desperate for a victory to help lift the spirits ahead of a crucial run-in.