Mancini eyeing second place

Roberto Mancini accepts that his Manchester City team are scrapping with Manchester United for second place in the Premier League.

Ahead of the derby at Eastlands on Wednesday, the Italian boss has reiterated that Chelsea will retain the title.

Mancini sees no reason to change that view even though the current holders go into their home match with Fulham on the back of a defeat by Liverpool.

Successive victories for City - they overcame West Brom on Sunday - would see them on the same points tally as United.

Mancini said: "Our target must be the Champions League. It is important we are near Chelsea and Manchester United in January and February.

"I think we can have a chance. We must take it game to game. For the moment we must only think of United."

City ended a run of three straight defeats at the weekend and according to Mancini that win has increased the mood of confidence in the camp.