City bent on proving threat to Man United

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Manchester City have the chance to show they are a serious threat to crosstown rivals Manchester United when the two sides meet at Eastlands today.

United have long overshadowed their neighbours, but City manager Roberto Mancini said yesterday that the balance of power has shifted.

"I think they know that now we are a strong team," Mancini said. "We have respect for United and Ferguson because he is a top manager in the world, but we can beat them always now."

Last season, City lost three matches against United on late goals - twice in the English Premier League and once in the League Cup. But Mancini is convinced those results prove the two sides are now evenly matched.

"We played at the same level over the last few derbies and we only lost in the last minute," Mancini said. "That's important to remember, but we are a different team this season. There are two good squads for tomorrow night, so anything could happen.

"United play to the last second, they beat Wolves (on Saturday) late on because they have a strong mentality. But we matched them last season and we have to remember that."

Level with arsenal

City ended a run of three straight losses with a win over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, putting them level on points with third-place Arsenal, but behind on goal difference.

United's win over Wolves closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points.

Though United have won their last four league meetings with City, manager Alex Ferguson said the game has taken on added significance since City were taken over by an Abu Dhabi group and spent £250 million ($400 million) on players.

"Now the game between ourselves and City is one of great intensity," Ferguson said. "It's built up by the media explosion around what City are doing and trying to achieve in their own way and the fact we're both in the same city.