Is it now or never for Dzeko?

It is something that must be firmly in the minds of all those in the blue half of Manchester. It is clear that Roberto Mancini took a gamble in sanctioning the move of Balotelli in January.

After the enigmatic Italian was sold his former boss even admitted that it was a wrench to let go his unbelievable talent.

This, though, meant that Edin Dzeko has been left to step up to the mark. If he is to secure a starting line up spot every week now is the time. He may have the formidable task of ousting one of Tevez or Aguero but it is difficult to force your way in at any top club.

Dzeko knows that he is the only real back up City have to their main pairing and he will have a huge role to play from now until the end of the season.

There will be games where he will have to continue to start from the bench but he still has to prove his capability to deliver as part of a front four.

Last summer Mancini missed out on his chief attacking targets and you can be sure that he will not repeat the same mistakes this time around.

There will be a headline name entering the Etihad and if Dzeko is not going to be cast aside when this happens he needs to cast any doubt as to why his employers forked out £25 million + for his services in the first place.

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