Mancini backs City to win race

Roberto Mancini is confident Manchester City can win the race for fourth place this season's Premier League.

Tottenham have regained the much-coveted final Champions League spot after victories over Wigan and Everton.

But City's surprise 4-2 win at then-league leaders Chelsea a fortnight ago has given Mancini's men a timely boost.

With just 11 games left, City are level on points with Spurs but have a game in hand. The Blues even have two games in hand on regular Champions League qualifiers Liverpool, who are one point behind in sixth place.

Good chance

City travel to Sunderland on Sunday looking to stretch their four-match unbeaten run in the league and manager Mancini has said it is vital they take one game at a time in their quest to reach the Champions League for the first time.

"I think we have a good chance at the moment because we have one game in hand in respect of Tottenham and two games in hand in respect of Liverpool," he told Sky Sports News.

"It depends on us. We must want it 200 per cent and concentrate on every single game.

"We must think Sunderland now, and then after that Fulham next week.

"I am very happy because in the last four games, in the last month, we have played as a team.

"For me, that is the most important thing, and it's the same for the players because if you don't have that, you don't win against Chelsea."