Manchester City vs. United: Which team will come out on top? - National Post (blog)

When asked last Wednesday about comparing his team's remaining games with local rival Manchester United, City manager Roberto Mancini initially provided a cliché.

"It is important that we stay top and don't think about the other teams," he said. City currently lead the English Premier League with 60 points, two more than United, and have a goal difference of +45. United is +36.

And then Mancini, always willing to provide an interesting soundbite, wrote the headline.

"Manchester United can win all their games," the Italian said, "they are strong like us."

It is old-fashioned psychological warfare: Offer the media a quote they can't resist to turn up the pressure on United.

But can United win their remaining 13 league games, as the EPL inches closer to the crucial final third of the season? And what about City? The blue half of Manchester has not touched the English league title since 1968.

Although Tottenham is in third place, just five points back of United, and injuries and suspensions are unpredictable variables, right now the EPL is a two-horse race.

Here are five points to consider as you look at City and United's remaining games.

• After United's victory over Liverpool last Saturday, the Red Devils now have to only travel to Tottenham (March 4) but afterward have no tough games. Although there is potential for mistakes when travelling to Wolverhampton (March 18), and hosting Fulham (March 26) and Everton (April 21).

City still has to host Chelsea (March 19) then travel to Arsenal (April 7). Trips to Swansea (March 10) and Stoke (March 24) and Newcastle (May 5) could hurt. ADVANTAGE: United

• City, currently the best home team in the EPL (12-0-0), can increase its lead in the standings with four of six EPL games from Feb. 25 to March 31 at the Etihad Stadium. But Chelsea does pay a visit.

In that period, United, the best away team (8-3-1), has four of eight games away from Old Trafford, including tricky stops at Tottenham and Wolverhampton. ADVANTAGE: City

• What's more, City ends the season on May 13 at home against Queen Park while United travels to England's northeast to face Sunderland. ADVANTAGE: City

• After placing third in their respective Champions League groups, both City and United have fallen into Europe's second-tier competition, the Europa League, which now alters both teams' league schedules. "It does mean Sundays right through and Thursday-Sunday matches [as opposed to Tuesday/ Wednesday Champions League games then Saturday/Sunday EPL Games]," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said in December. "That has to be dealt with. That is our penalty for not qualifying."

City and United have started the first leg of the Europa League's round of 32 this week. Depending on how far both teams advance, their are four rounds, meaning eight games, before the final on May 9 at the National Arena in Bucharest, Romania. Both schedules, and players, could be stretched. ADVANTAGE: Even

• Ultimately, United has to travel to the Etihad Stadium on April 28. Sure, the Red Devils will be looking to avenge City's 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October, but, up until this weekend, City have only conceded six goals at home in the the league. ADVANTAGE: City