BBC pundit Alan Hansen insists tiredness and mental fatigue should not excuse Manchester City's poor away form. Roberto Mancini's side dropped further points away at Stoke over the weekend but moved top of the Premier League on goal difference from Manchester United, who have a game in hand. 

City have taken just nine points from 27 in their last nine games away from the Etihad Stadium as United have cut the gap on their city rivals at the top of the table. Sir Alex Ferguson's side can move three points clear with victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday night.

And Hansen, who won eight league titles with Liverpool in the 1970s and '80s, believes Manchester United's experience gives them the edge, but cautioned neither side was immune to the pressure of a straight fight for the title.

"Even after a decade of title battles with Liverpool, I was still a nervous wreck when it came to the final straight of the run-in," Hansen told the Telegraph.