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Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes they can win the Premier League title.
City head into Monday night’s clash with leaders Manchester United three points behind their local rivals after seeing United drop five points in their last three games.
City’s superior goal difference means a win would put them top with just two games remaining and the Argentina defender believes it would be a just reward for their recent good form.
‘If we have another chance for the title it's because we deserve it,’ said Zabaleta.
‘We’ve kept going and we will continue to do that and see what happens. We know how important this game is. United are the team we want to beat, especially because it gives us the chance to get back to the top.’
Although manager Roberto Mancini appeared to have conceded the title after the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Easter Sunday, Zabaleta thinks a strong belief has been the key to City still being in the title race.
‘We’ve never stopped believing in ourselves, but to be honest, after the Arsenal defeat I thought our chance had probably gone.
‘We've been five points clear before so we know how it feels, but United losing against Wigan and dropping points at home to Everton shows that in football you have to believe, because you just never know.’
Zabaleta feels City must maintain the brand of football that has seen them rack up 12 goals in three games since the Arsenal defeat.
‘We have to play the same as we play every game. We need to be strong mentally, focus on what we have to do and give it our all.
‘We've got the talent and we've got quality - we've got everything. But behind this the mentality and the attitude for that game has to be more than 100 per cent. I'm sure if we put everything into this game, with the quality we've got it can make the difference.’
Zabaleta also believes City’s ‘incredible’ fans will have a massive part to play in Monday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.
‘We need the support of the fans as always, but now more than ever.
‘The role of our incredible fans cannot be understated for this game. This is the one we’ve all been waiting for and we all need to be together, both the players and the fans’
