Roberto Mancini: 'Manchester United could drop points'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that there will only be a "small gap" between his side and Manchester United at the end of February.

City are currently seven points behind United in the Premier League table but Mancini believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's team will have one eye on their Champions League tie with Real Madrid during February.

Mancini told reporters: "They are two important games for United so I think that February and March could be the time when it's possible to decide this championship.

"I think when we arrive at the end of February, the gap will be very, very small."

United travel to Fulham on Saturday while City host Liverpool on Sunday.