Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is desperate for Carlos Tevez to remain injury-free between now and the end of the season. The Italian believes the Argentinian is just a vital to the team's cause as Wayne Rooney is to Manchester United.
Tevez is looking to improve his 26-goal tally after finding the target in the 6-1 demolition of Burnley at Turf Moor.
Mancini said: "We have had a lot of injuries. I hope that in the last six games we can play with a strong team.
"Carlos is most important for us like Rooney is for United."
City are aiming to secure fourth place with the reward of a coveted Champions League slot ahead of Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Mancini said: "I do not know if we are favourites.
"There are four teams chasing that place and it will be difficult for all of us.
"We have to keep the concentration we showed against Burnley.
"Four our last six games are at home and our supporters can play a part. Birmingham are a strong team, who defend very well. We will need to be at our best to beat them."
