Carlos Tevez has been backed to maintain his scoring form and help Manchester City secure a top-four finish.
The Argentina striker heads into the Barclays Premier League match against Sunderland on Sunday looking to improve his impressive 21-goal tally.
Tevez, 26, grabbed a brace in the victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - a result which underlined the club's intent.
It was a remarkable performance given he was suffering from jetlag after returning home to deal with a family matter.
Now fully rested following a two-week break, manager Roberto Mancini expects the former Manchester United striker to continue his good work.
Mancini said: "I am very happy with Carlos because he is a strong player, an important player and someone who works hard for the team.
"I hope he continues in this way and scores more goals until the end of the season.
"I think he can improve in the next week, the next month and the next year because he is still a fairly young player.
"I think all the players will be feeling better after a good rest. I am happy because this week we have been working well. I think we can do a good job on Sunday."
With Emmanuel Adebayor suspended, Tevez is expected to continue his partnership up front with Craig Bellamy.
The two players gave Chelsea a harrowing time and Mancini wants more of the same at Sunderland as he believes City hold the advantage for that coveted fourth place.
He explained: "We have a good chance as we have one game in hand on Tottenham and two games in hand on Liverpool. It depends on us.
"That's why we have to concentrate hard in every game. I am very pleased in the last month as we have played like a team.
"That is very important. If we had not played like a team we would not have beaten Chelsea."
Even though Liverpool lost to Wigan, Mancini has not discounted Rafael Benitez's side.
Mancini said: "These results can happen because in England every game is difficult.
"Of course Liverpool have a chance as they are a big team. They have nine games left and are one of four teams who could get that place."
Sunderland go into the match on the back of a comfortable victory against Bolton but Mancini is looking for nothing less than a win.
He added: "I think beating Chelsea will help our confidence as we played very well.
"It is important we win this game if we want to continue our improvement. In the last three of four games we have performed very well.
"It will be a difficult game against Sunderland. It is important we forget about Chelsea as this will be a different test. We need to show good concentration and play 100%."
