Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has attempted to pile the pressure on Chelsea before their Saturday game by claiming the Blues should retain their title as English Premier League champions easily this season.

Chelsea has made a dazzling start, scoring 21 goals and conceding only one in its first five matches to open a four-point lead over Arsenal and Manchester United at the top of the table.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said Chelsea has benefited from an easy start to the season.

But while Carlo Ancelotti’s men are likely to face their first serious examination when they visit the City of Manchester Stadium, Mancini feels they are a shoo-in for the title, even if Chelsea may view the Italian’s claims as little more than mind games.

“Chelsea is the best team at this moment in the Premier League,” the City manager said. “They will probably win the league easily because it’s a strong team and they have played together for many years and have a fantastic manager.”

City will trail Chelsea by 10 points if it loses Saturday.