City can turn up the heat

Manchester City have the chance to put pressure on rivals Manchester United when they host Fulham tomorrow.

After responding to the leaders' victory over Liverpool with a 2–0 win at Arsenal, the champions are first into league action this weekend.

United don’t play Tottenham away until Sunday, while Roberto Mancini's men play tomorrow. A win would cut the deficit at the top to four points and put pressure on United to respond.

Several City players have spoken recently of the need to be ready to pounce should United slip up.

Midfielder Javi Garcia, who could have a crucial role to play in the absence of Yaya Toure over the next month, is also keen to take the fight to United.

The Spaniard, still unable to fully claim his position at City, said: "We need to fight with them until the final game.”