Juan Mata is convinced Premier League leaders Manchester City will struggle to maintain their remarkable start to the season.
And Mata has warned that Manchester United , who host City in Sunday’s potentially title race-defining derby showdown, will be ready to pounce if Pep Guardiola’s side falter.
City will arrive at Old Trafford holding an eight-point lead over United, but Mata said Jose Mourinho’s players are confident they can reel in their local rivals.
Guardiola’s side have yet to lose this season and will be eyeing a record 14th straight Premier League win on Sunday, but Mata said United are ready to end that fine run.
“It’s difficult for everyone to win every single game — so we’re waiting for that,” said Mata.
“It’s very difficult, especially in the Premier League. When you play Watford, Stoke, West Ham away or whatever, it’s very difficult to win every single game and we need to be ready if they drop points.
“I remember a few seasons ago when United were ahead of City by eight points and then City won on goal difference. It’s a crazy league and it’s too early to think that it’s finished — from City, they will tell you the same.
“Physically, December is a very tough month. We play at Christmas time every two or three days and we need to be ready for that. If we can get out of the Christmas time with all the points then we could be happy because it means we will be in a better position than we are now.
“We need to look at the bigger picture. We’ve just started December and it’s a crucial month with a lot of games. It’s not the best feeling [City continuing to win] but we think about the bigger picture and for us we have to keep up the pace and keep winning and winning.
“We’re doing what we have to do. We’d love to be first in the table right now, but I think we’re doing lots of good things. We need to keep that pace if we want to be in a position to challenge for the title at the end of the season and hopefully we can do it.”
Mata acknowledged City have been in exceptional form this season but said Mourinho’s side can prove on Sunday they can take on Guardiola’s revered side and beat them.
“I obviously play for United and I want to win with United and I care the most about what we do in our team,” he said.
“They’re doing good and winning a lot of games. They’re scoring nice goals, but I think we’re doing our bit as well. We’ll try to show on Sunday that we can play very good football and we can win the three points.
“It’s a very special game, we all know that, especially because of the position we both are in the table. We play against City at Old Trafford and it’s one of those games that everyone wants to play, one of those really special games the Premier League has.
“Hopefully, first of all, it’s a great game of football, and secondly we can win.”