Roberto Mancini has claimed Saturday's trip to Norwich City will be harder than the derby game with Manchester United later this month.

Manchester City cut United's lead at the top of the Premier League to five points on Wednesday and will reduce it to two if they win at Carrow Road.

However, Mancini is wary about the trip to East Anglia, which comes only three days after the 4-0 home win against West Bromwich Albion.

"United is easy," he said. "We could lose or we could win but it is an easy game. Against United or Chelsea, our concentration will be 100%.

"Norwich will be really tough because we have only had two days to recover after West Brom."

It seemed Mancini had his tongue firmly lodged in his cheek as he delivered the comments. Indeed, his entire press conference was conducted in a confusing manner as he backed the comments of the United assistant manager, René Meulensteen, that Sir Alex Ferguson's side have greater togetherness.

"I agree with him," said Mancini. "They have big experience and are a fantastic team. We are nothing. But sometimes the best team, or the team that has balance, doesn't win."

Mancini also confirmed Yaya Touré could be available for Saturday despite the midfielder missing the midweek win over West Bromwich with a knee injury picked up during last weekend's defeat at Arsenal.

"Yaya is getting better," Mancini said. "We will decide tomorrow but there is a chance he could play."