Aguero desperate for derby win

SERGIO Aguero believes derby victory over Manchester United could be critical to Manchester City’s hope of securing a top–four spot.

City have fallen off the pace in the premier league title race, having been favourites for much of the season, and are even facing a battle to hold on to fourth. West Ham are two points behind them in fifth place and United could also move within a point if they beat City on Sunday.

Striker Aguero, who has scored 21 goals this season, said: “We have to win, even more so because the title is slipping further and further away and we have to make sure we take fourth place.

“We want the title, but we have to take into account that United are right behind us and it will be a tough game. We will have to play intensely.”

After reaching the quarter–finals of the Champions League for the first time this week, the least City need to do is ensure they are in the competition again next season.

Competing among Europe’s elite is a key part of the owner’s plans and there was further evidence of progress in the way City saw off Dynamo Kiev in the second leg of their last–16 tie on Tuesday.

There was little to excite in the dull 0–0 draw at the Etihad Stadium that saw them through but, despite losing centre–backs Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi to injury inside the opening 24 minutes, the hosts were happy enough with the situation.