Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is confident that his side will be able to retain their Premier League title if they can continue their recent run.
The Citizens remain three points behind Chelsea in the race for the top-flight crown following their win over West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.
Pellegrini feels that the season is entering its most important stage, and is adamant that his team have the character to maintain their push for the trophy until the very end of the campaign.
He told reporters: "We have now 20 games more to finish the title. Any team who can arrive at 86 points can win it. We are not aware about records but we are aware to continue to keep adding points.
"It will be a very close fight for the title this year and we want to keep it. If we continue in this way maybe we can do it. This is a very important month and a key week – because we have to play for nine points in just one week.
"It is important for us to be as near as we can to the top of the table so as not to give away an advantage for the second half of the season."
City are next in action against Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Simon Sinclair
