Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes manager Roberto Mancini recalls Carlos Tevez to his line-up.

Mancini must decide whether to recall Tevez for his first game since September, but Richards insists that City's rebel striker is the big-game player they need to turn the title race back in their favour.

Richards said: "I'm a big fan of Tevez. I've always said that I love him.

"There were games last season when he carried us on his own; games like this where he would get a 1-0 win for us.

"Ultimately, it's up to the manager but I'd love to see him back."