Manchester City playmaker David Silva is adamant that his side's early exit from European competition will give them the advantage in the Premier League title race.
City finished bottom of their Champions League group last year and therefore failed to qualify for the Europa League.
Title rivals Manchester United are currently seven points ahead of the champions but will face Real Madrid in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, and Silva believes that the clash could work in City's favour.
"That could be an advantage for us," the Spanish midfielder told reporters.
"They have an important game against Real Madrid and we only have the league to think about. That could work in our favour."
City host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
