Manchester United will have to fend off Manchester City to the end
Published:Roberto Mancini believes his side’s home form will be crucial if they are to challenge Manchester United for the Premier League title.
City currently enjoy the best away record in the Premier League following their 3-1 Boxing Day win over Newcastle United and are now at 9/1 to win their first title.
However, Mancini is not getting carried away and believes his side still have a long way to go – especially at Eastlands where they have won just four times in the league this season.
He said: “I know that we must improve at home, this is very important,”
“We were disappointed to lose to Everton so it was important that we had a victory at Newcastle, where it is difficult to win.
“The season is very long and we need to improve. We must continue to do this.”
The win puts City just two points behind United although Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have two games in hand over the Citizens.
The longer the season progresses the more City are looking like genuine title threats and that 9/1 could certainly be worth backing, with the odds surely set to come in if Mancini adds to his squad in January.
Meanwhile, United were impressive in their 2-0 win against Sunderland and look set to kick into their traditional post-Christmas good form. However, United face a tough trip away to Birmingham tomorrow against a side that is well rested following the postponement of their Boxing Day game against Everton.
It should be a tight affair, but United should have enough to come through at 8/15 and keep the distance between them and City – for now.
A £10 bet on United to beat Birmingham 2-0 pays out £60. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
