Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Carlos Tevez on City's Bench Is Risky for Mancini

Seven contentious months after Carlos Tevez was accused of refusing to warm up and enter a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in September, he is set to make his return and has been put on the bench by manager Carlos Mancini for the match against Chelsea.

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Tevez confirmed on the bench for MCFC

—Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceIndy) March 21, 2012"

For Manchester City—currently four points behind Manchester United for first place in the Premier League—it could be a risky move, especially for Mancini.

That was ex-City player Randy Marsh's opinion, who said Mancini could be fired if Tevez plays, Man City loses and they fail to win the title this year, according to the BBC:

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He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "At this moment in time they have got a fantastic squad of players - [Sergio] Aguero, [Mario] Balotelli and [Edin] Dzeko up front, [David] Silva and [Samir] Nasri.

"If he should change it and bring in Tevez and they lose it I think it will be that important.

"Since Tevez allegedly refused to come on in that game in Germany, Manchester City have been knocked out of every competition.

"If they should also lose the Premier League based on the fact he is coming back I think that is a bridge too far."

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While the team was unable to move Tevez, playing him in such a crucial game would be extremely risky for Mancini. If Tevez has a negative impact on the game in any way, how will City supporters react?

With some fans inclined to never support Tevez again one way or another, can Mancini risk the huge PR hit he would take if Tevez plays and hurts Man City in a loss to Chelsea?

It's a touch predicament for Mancini, but one he is apparently willing to face with Tevez. With such a crucial fixture against Chelsea today, his decision very well could decide City's title fate this year.

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