Manchester City go into Sunday's derby against Manchester United just four points in front of their rivals but with two days extra to prepare.
City played in the Champions League on Tuesday, while United were in action on Thursday in the Europa League.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini spoke to the media in his Thursday's press conference ahead of the big match at the Etihad.
“I think that a derby is always dangerous regardless of the position of both teams. If it’s in the Premier League it’s doubly dangerous," says City boss Manuel jPellegrini as quoted by the BBC.
“United have a very good squad, it doesn’t matter which play or in which way they play, they’re always a dangerous team.
“If you have 24/48 hours more rest, it’s important. It’s not a decisive thing for the game but you can prepare better. That’s the problem with the Europa League as you play on Thursday – it’s not easy to prepare.”
The Chilean also spoke on the Champions League quarter finals draw that pits his team against PSG with the first leg in the French capital.
“You never know what’s an easy draw when you’re with the eight best teams on the continent.
"Maybe one team has less names than another team but they’re at this stage so they deserve to be there because they beat other teams.
“It’s better to be away first – I prefer always to finish at home so you know always what you must do in your home stadium.
“In my opinion, Barcelona is the team that made the difference but all the other teams are all the same.”
Pellegrini also gave an update on the quartet of Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, Samir Nasri and Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester City defenders Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi both came off injured early on during the club's Champions League second leg tie at home to Dynamo Kiev in midweek.
"We’ll see in the way he’ll improve – maybe one month he can be ready. I think he could play again this season."
“We’ll see with Otamendi tomorrow (Saturday) – Nico is running but it’s a risk if he takes another kick on the same leg. We’ll assess him on Saturday."
Kevin de Bruyne has been a big miss for Manchester City after damaging knee ligaments but, along with a couple of other team-mates, could be back in action soon.
“Samir Nasri started working again with the whole squad yesterday. We hope that in the international break the three of them, Fabian Delph, Nasri and De Bruyne will play in a friendly with the Under-21s,” the City manager concluded.
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COMMENTS
There is something about Man City that I don't know yet. Are they putting all their best? Anyway, the Manchester derbiesare no more thrilling again. I see a ManUnited win but I wish that Tottenham to loss but a 0-0 draw will be acceptable too sha for Leicester sake. This Tottenham team just do not want to get off Leicester back. I hope that the Borrusia Dortmund thrashing will have a negative effect on them. Leicester all the way up to the last day of the league. My general prediction below compare with yours. Who wins? You or me. 3 points for exact score and 1 point for correct prediction.EVERTON VS ARSENAL- 2-1CHELSEA VS WEST HAM- 2-1CRYSTAL PALACE VS LEICESTER- 0-2WATFORD VS STOKE- 2-1SOUTHAMTON VS LIVERPOOL- 1-2SWANSEA VS ASTON VILLA- 2-1NEWCASTLE VS SUNDERLAND- 2-1MAN CITY VS MAN UTD- 1-2TOTTENHAM VS BOURNEMOUTH- 2-0