Milner eyes a big Villarreal performance

MANCHESTER City midfielder James Milner is steeling himself for a huge week ahead.

A 4–1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday allowed Roberto Mancini's men to open up a two–point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League, but there is no let–up in the games with Villarreal and Manchester United on the horizon this week.

The Spaniards visit the Etihad Stadium for a must–win Champions League clash tomorrow night, while Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford will pit the top flight's first and second–placed teams against each other.

But Milner, who scored City's fourth against Villa, is refusing to be daunted by the size of the tasks ahead.

"Every game we play we want to win," said the England international.

"They're big games but it won't change our philosophy. We'll go and try and win. We've had a slow start in the Champions League but hopefully we'll pick up and put in a performance that we know we can.

"It's a tough group, and obviously our first taste of Champions League football together, but we know we can improve on our Champions League performances so far.”

Mancini left playmakers Samir Nasri and David Silva on the bench against Villa, while eight–goal Sergio Aguero was not risked following a groin strain.

A City side sporting four changes still had enough to see off Alex McLeish's men, though, and Milner believes that shows how strong a squad the Italian has at his disposal.

Despite another stellar performance against his former club — Milner refused to celebrate his goal as a mark of respect — the 25–year–old is not guaranteed to be given a start against Villarreal.

Often a victim of his own versatility, he could be forced to make way for any one of a number of big–name players waiting in the wings.