City news in 250 words: Friday 24 December

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini has warned big-headed striker Mario Balotelli he needs to back up his big talk with performances on the pitch. Balotelli claimed that only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was ahead of him in terms of talent. "If he thinks what he says is true, he must show it in every game," said Mancini."It is good when a player has confidence in himself.”

CORONATION Street’s Tracy Barlow will mark her return to Corrie by being found lying in a pool of blood on New Year's Eve. The soap villain, played by Kate Ford, will return to Weatherfield after three years behind bars for killing Charlie Stubbs. The storyline follows comes just weeks after a dramatic tram crash which marked the Street's 50th anniversary earlier this month.

THE PREMIERE League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United has been rescheduled for 1 March. The original fixture at Stamford Bridge on 19 December was called off due to heavy snow. The date may change if one of the teams is involved in an FA Cup fifth-round replay. United are also set to play Barcelona in the US next year.

TEN CANDIDATES will contest the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election. One candidate, David Bishop, will represent the Elvis Bus Pass Party. The by-election, on 13 January, is being held because the original result was voided after Labour's Phil Woolas made false statements about his Liberal Democrat opponent Elwyn Watkins. Candidates from the Monster Raving Loony Party and the BNP will also stand.

Out of the window weather forecast:Who cares? It’s Christmas Eve. I want to go home.