Roberto Mancini claims it has been tougher readying his Man City side for a trip to Norwich than it will be preparing them for Man Utd.
Man City boss expecting tough test against Norwich
Roberto Mancini claims it has been tougher readying his Manchester City side for a trip to Norwich than it will be preparing them for a derby date with Manchester United.
City travel to Carrow Road on Saturday looking to keep their Premier League title fires burning.
A midweek victory over West Brom, coupled with United's shock defeat to Wigan, has kept the Blues in the hunt.
Five points still separate Mancini's men from the summit, but they have the opportunity to put further pressure on the Red Devils this weekend as they take to the field first.
It could be that the destination of the top-flight crown will then rest on the outcome of an eagerly-anticipated derby at the Etihad Stadium on 30th April.
Concentration
Mancini is refusing to look that far ahead, though, with the Italian aware that a buoyant Norwich side will pose plenty of problems for his team in their next outing.
"United is easy," he said, with his tongue firmly lodged in his cheek.
"We could lose or we could win but it is an easy game. Against United or Chelsea, our concentration will be 100 per cent.
"Norwich will be really tough because we have only had two days to recover after West Brom."
Decision
While City are expecting to experience a testing afternoon in Norfolk, their cause will be aided by the return to action of Yaya Toure.
The Ivorian midfielder was forced to sit out the midweek win over West Brom, but has shaken off a knee injury picked up during City's defeat at Arsenal.
"Yaya is getting better," said Mancini.
"We will decide tomorrow (Saturday) but there is a chance he could play."
