Mancini keeps cup clash in the family

The pair have a long association that dates back to their time as a player and manager with Sampdoria and Lazio in the 1990s.

That in itself offers an unusual slant to City's FA Cup trip to Leicester - but the ties do not end there.

Mancini is a former Leicester player, making five appearances for the Foxes in 2001. More latterly, Eriksson spent a season as City manager, replacing Stuart Pearce to take charge during the eventful, but ultimately ill-fated Thaksin Shinawatra era.

"He stayed there for one year," laughed Mancini. "That is enough, no? He left a seat for me.

"Sunday will be the first time one of my teams has played against one of Sven's. It will be very interesting because he is like my brother. I have know him for around 15 years. He is a fantastic coach and a fantastic man."

Source: PA

Source: PA