Manchester City knows that it will not win the premier league this season but the team has a chance to delay United's championship celebration with a win against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday.
City currently sits 15 points behind United with 21 points on the table, including Wednesday's match. With a loss and United win on Wednesday, City would have to win the remaining six and hope that United does not a single point in its final five games; a highly unlikely proposition.
The match with Wigan is also important because it is a preview to the FA Cup final on May 11. City is coming off a semifinals win against Chelsea and sees the FA Cup as a major achievement in a season that has seen them bomb in the Champions league and relinquish the premier league title.
"I think [the derby win last week against Manchester United] was important for the next game that we have in the Premier League, and Cup. The championship is not important, it is finished but it is important we showed we are like them. For us it is only important to reduce the gap because we don't deserve to be 12 points behind," said City manager Roberto Mancini.
Despite Wigan's ascension to the FA Cup final, the team is in 18th place in the premier league and faces relegation. However the team is ready to take a stand and remain in the top British league in the world.
"Competition for places has stepped up a percentage, the level of training has increased and we have been unbeaten in the league since then," said Coach Roberto Martinez. "Players are desperate to help the team. There are no individual cases, from now until the end of the season it is about what we can do as a football club.
Prediction: Manchester city wins 2-0.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV: Fox Soccer Plus
Watch live Stream HERE.
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