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Manchester City hope to capitalise on Manchester United's Champions League distractions by re-launching the defence of their Premier League title, starting with Saturday's trip to Southampton.
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City's 2-2 draw at home to Iverpool last weekend enabled United to stretch their advantage at the top of the table to nine points, with only 13 games of the season remaining.
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However, while United will have an eye on Wednesday's trip to real Madrid when they host Everton on Sunday, City's own failure in the Champions League means their agenda is free of European commitments.
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Aside from home game against second-tier Leeds United in the FA Cup on February 17, City can therefore channel all their resources into the pursuit of United.