Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits they face a test of bottle after their 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion. City saw their two-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League wiped out as they were kept scoreless - for the first time this season - at The Hawthorns.

Mancini said: "I'm disappointed only because we play January 1 and January 3, and Liverpool play December 29 and the third against us.

"I'm not happy with this situation because two days in this moment is not correct.

"I don't know why this is - well maybe, it's for TV.

"To play twice in 48 hours will make a difference in this moment but we have good concentration and in January that is important.

"I think United will win the next game and it's more difficult for us against Sunderland away and then within 48 hours again.

"But I'm confident we can do a good job by the end. It's important to stay in with a chance of the title at the end.

"If you want to win the title, we have to try to play well against United. United have a strong team but we are strong enough to do this."