Samir Nasri said Manchester City are aiming for a strong finish to their season after seeing their English Premier League title defence ended by Manchester United.
City are currently in second, five points ahead of third-placed Arsenal, and will be keen to finish in that spot.
Roberto Mancini's men will take on West Ham in the early kickoff Saturday, and the side will be keen to banish the demons of last weekend, when a momentous capitulation led to a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
"It's not difficult to stay competitive because we have to secure second place," Nasri told the club's official website. "It's really important for us and for the club to have ambition and to show our fans that we are going to play to the end because that's our job and that's what we do best.
"There's still prestige attached to second place and it's important for the club to play in the Champions League and not have to take part in the play-off stages too."
The former Arsenal player expects a tough outing against West Ham, who are currently in tenth, having secured their place in the Premier League for next season.
"It's going to be a tough match against a side that has nothing to lose and is playing well," he added.
"A team managed by Sam Allardyce is always difficult to play against and so we are going to have to play well to get a result against them."
The French international has been in good form over the last couple of weeks and wants to continue the good run. "I'm pleased with my performances lately because finally I am playing 100 percent and I have no injuries," he said. "This year was really tough for me.
"I've been through a difficult summer with my national team at the Euros. Then I came back and started the season well but then I had a couple of injuries and when you are a player it's difficult mentally.
"Now I'm feeling great and I'm trying to give my best to the club and to the fans so that they have confidence in me. I hope I can continue like this and into next year as well."
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Expected lineups: Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Toure, Barry; Nasri, Tevez, Silva; Aguero.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; O'Neil, Diame; Jarvis, Nolan, Cole; Carroll.
Prediction: 2-0 to Manchester City
