Mata confident of derby victory over Manchester City

By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye

Juan Mata has warned Manchester City they cannot afford any slip ups in the race for the title as Manchester United look to give them a bloody nose in Sunday’s derby.

Pep Guardiola’s in-form side make the short journey to Old Trafford on Sunday, when Jose Mourinho’s second-place Reds will attempt to end their rivals’ unbeaten Premier League run.

Suspended Paul Pogba has admitted United “need to win” given the eight-point cushion City have already built and Mata too is desperate to secure derby victory.

“We are doing what we have to do,” the Spain international said ahead of this weekend’s “special game”.

“We would love to be first in the table right now but I think we are doing lots of good things.

“Now, especially on Sunday and during Christmas time, which we all know how difficult it is to win every single game, we need to keep that pace if we want to be in a position to challenge for the title at the end of the season. Hopefully we can do it.”

United certainly boast the strength in depth to maintain their title challenge heading into a testing festive period.

City have had to dig deep to eke out victory in recent matches and Mourinho’s men are ready to capitalise on any drop off.