London, Dec 30 : Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that April 28 can be decisive for the Premier League's title race when both the Manchester clubs collide in a highly anticipated derby at the Etihad Stadium.

The two Manchester clubs are favorites for the league title this year, with both of them comfortably sitting at the top of the table with 45 points each by the year end. City has a superior goal difference of five over United. Pundits from the football world are expecting the Premier league title race to be one of the most gripping ones in recent years, with both Manchester clubs tied at same points by New Year's time and Spurs also providing them stiff competition. But Mancini has earmarked the Manchester derby to be the title decider this year, The Sun reports.

"If we are strong enough, I think it will be decided with that game at home. We knew before the start of the season it would not be easy to win the title," said Mancini Mancini believes that despite of his team starting this season in fine fashion, these things only matter in the end, as they still have to play 20 matches more.

"We''ve been at the top since the start of the season and we''re still there, but it''s not important now, it''s important at the end. We''ve done very well in 2011 and we hope we can improve further in 2012," added Mancini.

Mancini's side can find themselves dragged down to the second place if Manchester United beat Blackburn at home on the New Year's Eve. City will play Sunderland away on the next day. (ANI)