Caldwell back for Clarets

Posted Saturday, April 03, 2010 by PA

Burnley captain Steven Caldwell returns to the squad to face Manchester City following a four-month absence with a groin injury.

Caldwell is in the frame after coming through a reserve match this week without any reaction.

Full-back Stephen Jordan is expected to recover from a knee problem in time but Chris McCann remains sidelined with a similar injury.

Manager Brian Laws aims to put the squeeze on Gianfranco Zola and ease his side's relegation fears.

A home win for the Clarets will bring them level on points with Zola's West Ham, who face Everton on Sunday at Goodison Park.

After securing only one win in 12 league games since taking charge Laws is determined to grab the chance.

He said: "Manchester City are in terrific form and we are not in terms of results. But we aim to turn that around and a win would give everyone a huge lift.

"It would put major pressure on West Ham, knowing we were grabbing their ankles and pulling them in."

City are without Pablo Zabaleta, who starts a two-match ban with Micah Richards likely to deputise.

Stephen Ireland (ankle) is also sidelined for City's first visit to Turf Moor since 2001.

City boss Roberto Mancini believes the top-four battle has turned into a three-cornered scrap and is intent on his own club staying in contention by beating Burnley.

With Tottenham keeping the opposition at arm's length and Liverpool still swinging punches in a desperate attempt to preserve their Champions League status, Mancini knows where the dangers lie.

And, unfortunately for Aston Villa, the Italian believes conceding seven goals at Chelsea last weekend effectively knocked them out.

"Maybe it is between three clubs because Aston Villa have fallen back," said Mancini.

"In football, strange things can happen but for now it is between Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool."