Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko says they want to make a statement at Manchester United on Monday.

The 27-year-old striker believes both teams will be equally keen to claim the bragging rights despite the points difference at the top of the Premier League.

"It's a very important game even if we are 15 points behind because the derby is always the derby," Dzeko declared to City's website.

"It's the best league game of the season and we will do our best to try and win there.

"To win the derby always means a lot - for us and for our fans it is very important."