Roberto Mancini claims Man Utd will remain strong favourites to land the Premier League crown even if they come unstuck against his Man City side.
City boss believes derby victory would be no guarantee of success
Roberto Mancini claims Manchester United will remain strong favourites to land the Premier League crown even if they come unstuck against his Manchester City side.
It is possible that the destination of the top flight crown could be decided in what is being billed as an 'unmissable' Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Monday.
With just three points separating the two local rivals heading into a crunch contest, there is plenty riding on the outcome of one of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the season.
Victory for City would take them back to the top of the table with just two games left to play, handing them the upper-hand in the quest for Premier League supremacy.
Blues boss Mancini claims derby joy would be no guarantee of title success, though, with it his opinion that United have an easier run-in.
"Even if we win this game, I think they are favourites," the Italian told
Sky Sports News HD.
Asked if he was surprised to be heading into derby day with the title still up for grabs, given that City appeared to be out of the running a few weeks ago, Mancini added: "I am not surprised because in football, until you have finished the championship, anything can happen.
Tough
"I think that they have more chance than us because we play a derby on Monday and then we play against Newcastle - which will be a tough game.
"After us, United will play against Swansea and Sunderland - I think for them that will be two easy games."
Mancini concedes that Monday's meeting between City and United is likely to be the most important in their derby history and admits that anything could happen.
He is, however, in the fortunate position of heading into the tie with a fully-fit squad from which to select.
"All the players are available," he said.
"We have another two training sessions, but all the players are available."
