Manchester City will aim to turn the pressure back on their title rivals on Saturday by re-establishing their slender lead at the top of the Premier League table with victory over Fulham.

City have endured a wobbly start to 2012, exiting both domestic cup competitions while suffering defeats against Sunderland and Everton to leave Roberto Mancini's side level on points with second placed Manchester United.

But with United facing a potentially tricky visit to Chelsea on Sunday, and third placed Tottenham travelling to Liverpool on Monday, City could well finish the latest round of fixtures with their noses back in front.

A dejected Mancini blamed himself for City's latest setback, a surprising 1-0 reverse at Everton on Tuesday which allowed United to go level on points with their bitter cross-town rivals.