Joleon Lescott backs Manchester City to respond

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has insisted that his side are fully focused on winning this weekend's hotly-anticipated derby clash.

The reigning Premier League champions compounded their Champions League misery with defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, finishing bottom of their group with just three points.

Lescott believes that his teammates are acutely aware of the importance of any match against Manchester United and are intent on maintaining their unbeaten league record.

He told The Sun: "We haven't done that great in the Champions League this season but it hasn't affected our Premier League form so there is no reason to suggest it should this weekend.

"We know it's a derby and the chance to stay unbeaten and go top of the League."

Roberto Mancini's side trail their local rivals by three points heading into Sunday's crunch clash at the Etihad.