Qaulification from Group A will be a tough ask for Jacek Zieliński's side with Italian giants Juventus also in the mix. Despite the presence of the Old Lady, Poznan have had an impressive start to their European adventure and currently sit in second position in the group, with a win over Salzburg and draw against the Italians giving them hope of qualification to the knock-outs for the first time in their history.
Unlike their visitors, Poznan come into the match in a run of form. Two consecutive wins with eight goals scored in the Polish Liga is an impressive feat, but they will know that their English opponents will offer a much sterner test.
Fractured Squad
Unlike their visitors, Poznan come into the match in a run of form. Two consecutive wins with eight goals scored in the Polish Liga is an impressive feat, but they will know that their English opponents will offer a much sterner test.
Fractured Squad
"As a group of players, we let the club and the fans down at Wolves," midfielder Gareth Barry said of the defeat to Wolves. "We are sorry for that but it is only one result and as a team we are now desperate to put that right.
"The best way of doing that is on the pitch with wins, starting on Thursday in the Europa League."
Mancini will be looking for a form of European tonic come Thursday then, and will be hoping a positive result against their lowly Polish opponents can kick their season back into gear.
City remain one of seven teams in the competition that can qualify for the knockout stages irrespective of their group rivals' results, and with the array of attacking talent at his disposal, Mancini will be hoping for the win that will mean the club can start focusing on this season's primary aim: qualification for next season's Champions League.
TEAM NEWS
Lech Poznan
Striker Artjoms Rudnevs is Lech's top scorer this season with four goals in nine starts and the Latvian will spearhead the attack against the mega-rich visitors on Thursday.Semir Stilic has also shaken off a knock and should be available for selection.
Possible starting XI: Buric; Kikut, Bosacki, Arboleda, Henriquez; Peszko, Injac, Drygas, Krivets; Rudnevs, Tshibamba.
Manchester City
Top scorer and star player Carlos Tevez will not feature against the Poles as he remains in Argentina recovering from a thigh injury. That means fiery but prodigeously talented youngster Mario Balotelli is in contention to make another start for City. The 20-year-old Italian is likely to partner Emmanuel Adebayor up front.
Serbia defender Aleksander Kolarov will have a spot on the bench after Mancini confirmed the left-back has made good on his recovery from a long injury lay-off.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Richards, K Toure, Kompany, Bridge; Vieira, De Jong, Barry; A Johnson, Adebayor, Balotelli.
Top scorer and star player Carlos Tevez will not feature against the Poles as he remains in Argentina recovering from a thigh injury. That means fiery but prodigeously talented youngster Mario Balotelli is in contention to make another start for City. The 20-year-old Italian is likely to partner Emmanuel Adebayor up front.Serbia defender Aleksander Kolarov will have a spot on the bench after Mancini confirmed the left-back has made good on his recovery from a long injury lay-off.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Richards, K Toure, Kompany, Bridge; Vieira, De Jong, Barry; A Johnson, Adebayor, Balotelli.
Prediction
This will be a test of Mancini's managerial skills after a difficult week. But City will surely have too much quality for their Polish opponents on the night and should edge this.
Lech Poznan 1-2 Man City 
