Manchester City v Manchester United: Race for second spot more realistic for Mancini

Ahead of the derby at Eastlands tonight, the Italian boss has reiterated his belief 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: "I think Chelsea will win the P

remier League as they are better than the other teams.

"But all the other sides that are near them can try because the season is long and difficult. We must play a lot of games.

"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.

United held the upper hand last season with back-to-back victories in the league thanks to late goals from Michael Owen in the first game and then Paul Scholes in the second.

City were left cursing their luck in the Carling Cup semi-final as well after a 2-1 first leg victory.

United, however, secured their passage to Wembley thanks to a stoppage time winner from Wayne Rooney in the return.

Mancini hopes City have learned a lesson from those three heartbreaking results, especially as United beat Wolves at the weekend with almost the last kick of the game.

He said: "A victory before you play United is important for the players and for all of us. They know now we are a strong team. The situation has changed.

"We have respect for them, we have respect for Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) because he is the top manager in the world. But we are getting better. It will be a good game.

"In the last three of four derbies City have played at the same level as United but have lost late in the game. This season we are a different team. They are a strong team who are ready to play until the last second."