Mancini still hopes of catching United

The City manager currently trails Alex Ferguson's team ahead of City tie against Everton tonight and the leaders' home game with struggling Reading.

Man city's Roberto Mancini

The all-important derby at Old Trafford is on April 8, and Mancini is hoping United drop points before that. "We hope that happens (Utd dropping points). But United are playing at home against Reading and then play Sunderland.

"We hope maybe we can play the derby nine points, seven points, even 10 points behind. Less than 12 would be better because from the derby to the end of the season, they have three or four difficult games," he added.

EPL on TV...

. Everton vs Man City,
Live on Star Sports... 18:10

. Southampton vs Liverpool,
Live on Star ESPN... 20:24

. Swansea City vs Arsenal,
Live on Star Sports... 20:25

. Man United vs Reading,
Live on Star sports... 22:25