Manchester City have bigger games than the Manchester derby if they are to defend their Premier League title, according to Joleon Lescott.
The fixture against Manchester United remains the biggest in the calendar for most Blues because of the rivalry between the two teams but United's fall in standards since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure means the games have taken on less importance in the Premier League and the Reds have won just two of the last 10 meetings at Old Trafford. A rejuvenated United under Erik ten Hag could move to within a point of City in the table with victory on Saturday, yet Pep Guardiola's team are still looking up to chase Arsenal down rather than worrying about who is behind them.
City need the win more if they are to press on for the title, yet their recent record gives them enough of an aura and respect that they are still seen as favourites for the title even when they are five points behind. With Arsenal still to play twice as they try to make up a five-point gap at the top, the clashes with the Gunners could well be more significant than Saturday's derby in deciding whether the trophy ends up in Manchester or London.
