Jesus Navas says a Capital One Cup final win over Liverpool could relax Manchester City in their bid for the title.
City face Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1HD, looking for a second Capital One Cup win in three years, and the Spaniard insists the 2014 win over Sunderland set them on their way to the Premier League title.
Manuel Pellegrini's side are six points behind leaders Leicester with 12 games remaining of the season.
Navas told Sky Sports: "It would be fantastic to win this trophy. We are involved in the Premier League title race and it would set us fair for the rest of the season.
"It is important to win as many as we can. [In 2014] it almost relaxed us to go on and challenge for more that season.
"It was a confidence boost, and gave us extra motivation to go on and win the title that year."
After the 3-1 win over Sunderland in 2014, Pellegrini's City went on to win the title on the last day of the season, two points ahead of Liverpool.
Navas has fond memories of Pellegrini's first trophy win, and says although they have not won any silverware since that season, the current team is stronger, and a win on Sunday will give them confidence.
"Couple together the signings since that date with the players already here, I think we have strengthened," he said.
"If we can win this weekend it will be great. It will be an entertaining final, every game is different and we need to think of ourselves.
"Other important games follow, but first we must concentrate on this final. Our manager is focused, prepares well and is very demanding and will do it again for this final."
Watch the Capital One Cup final between Manchester City and Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1HD from 4pm on Sunday