Kolo Toure has revealed that Manchester City have come up with a secret weapon to deal with the threat presented by Stoke on Wednesday.
City are currently two points clear in the title race and will be looking for a home win to secure top spot on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929.
Toure accepts that it will be a difficult match against the in-form Potters, who will also be seeking revenge for their FA Cup final defeat in May.
However, he says City have devised a plan to ensure they come through such a difficult test with the right result.
"We all know about Stoke," said the Ivorian.
"They have a great manager and great players. They are strong in the air and we have a lot of respect for them.
"They will be even more motivated because we beat them in the FA Cup final, so we are going to take it really seriously.
"But we have found a way to deal with them. I am just not going to say what it is."
Toure made an unexpected return to the City line-up for Sunday's victory over former club Arsenal,although he is by no means certain to keep his place given the additional bombardment expected from Stoke.
The 30-year-old could do with as many opportunities to impress as possible given he will soon depart with brother Yaya for an African Cup of Nations campaign that will begin against Sudan in Malabo on 22nd January.
"It is always really difficult for us in this period," said Toure.
"You need to stay for your club but at the same time, you have to think about the national team. It is hard for everybody."
Mancini has already claimed that if City are still top by the time Toure and his brother return in February, their chances of winning the title are high.
It is not an assessment the former Gunners star disagrees with.
"Why not?" he said. "I will be in contact all the time and watch the games on TV.
"We know there are some fantastic players who will be doing their best.
"I am sure we will still be at the top."
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