by Chinners » Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:56 am
Nigel de Jong and Fani both confident of Manchester derby win B*ll*x
Nani says United are confident but De Jong believes City can win Nigel de Jong says Manchester City are determined to win Sunday's derby and stay top of the Premier League.
But they face a Manchester United side who are also "confident" due to their home form, according to winger Nani.
United have won 24 of their last 25 Premier League games at Old Trafford but City go into the derby two points clear at the top of the table.
"We're going down there as number one and the aim is to stay number one," City midfielder De Jong said.
The Dutchman said the match is a "massive game for both of us".
He added: "Of course everyone believes we can win.
"The pressure is always there because of how this Manchester City team are growing.
"We have shown our quality throughout the season. We don't need a game against United to show how good we are.
"It is two of the best teams in England going up against each other and I expect it to be a great game."
De Jong, 26, insists City's players are hungry for success.
He said: "You can't build a history of winning trophies over 25 years like United have done in just one year.
"This side can be part of history because it has been so long [1968] since we won the title."
Winger Nani, 24, who scored twice in United's 3-2 Community Shield win over City, praised his team's Manchester rivals but stressed his side's confidence.
He said: "City have a fantastic team at the moment with fantastic players.
"They are playing a lot of good stuff and it will be difficult to play against them.
"But we should not forget we are United. When we play at home it is very hard to beat us - that is why we are so confident.
"These are the games that always get the team motivated.
"When we play these games the team has a different attitude and a different hunger.
"Everyone likes to play in matches like this one and, clearly, we hope to win as well."
Nani believes it is too early to say if the title race will be dominated by the two Manchester clubs.
He said: "City are one of the teams who have been doing fantastically well since the season started.
"But there are a lot of teams who are doing well and we need to be aware of them.
"Chelsea have been excellent for a start."
