Roberto Mancini has said that the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United on April 28, 2012 could decide who wins the Premier League title.
City are currently top of the table but level on points with United at the season's halfway mark.
Mancini's side triumphed 6-1 in the first Manchester derby of the season at Old Trafford, and Mancini believes that the return showdown will be decisive in determining who lifts the league trophy.
"If we are strong enough, I think it will be decided with that game at home," he said.
"We knew before the start of the season it would not be easy to win the title.
"We've been at the top since the start of the season and we're still there - but it's not important now, it's important at the end."
The Italian praised his team's performance so far this season, but said that there is still a lot of work to do in 2012.
"We've done very well in 2011 and we hope we can improve further in 2012," he said.
"We are happy we are on top but we know now we have another 20 games to play and they will be very difficult."
City lead the Premier League with 45 points and a +38 goal difference.
