Jose Mourinho claims Manchester City have an easier fixture list

Mourinho claims City at an advantage as they have an easier run of fixtures

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that rivals Manchester City hold the advantage in the title race due to Premier League scheduling, according to Sky Sports.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side are just three points behind the west Londoners but have a game in hand due the midweek postponement of last week’s fixture against Sunderland and boast a far superior goal difference.

A crucial derby game against Manchester United has also been pushed back due to City’s involvement in the Capital One Cup final on in March. With Chelsea due to play before City on a number of occasions the Portuguese is adamant Pellegrini’s knowledge of exactly what is required of his side before they take the field gives them the upper hand.

“What affects the Premier League is the change of the fixtures. City play later after the other teams fighting for the title, so it is easier.

“They know somebody lost, somebody won, they lost two points, one point is enough for us. That is obviously an advantage. But it’s not their fault. It’s the weather, the fixtures, the FA, the Premier League, so it’s not their fault,” he declared.

However, Mourinho should not focus his attention on the position of other teams at present, the Blues are top of the league and their destiny is still in their own hands. A public spat with Arsene Wenger has been high on Mourinho’s agenda of late but Pellegrini is uninterested in engaging in mind games and the latest attempt to direct the pressure off of his team and onto City is likely to fall on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, Chelsea were dispatched by City in the FA Cup at the weekend courtesy of goals from Stevan Jovetic and Samir Nasri. Mourinho’s side are clearly missing the influence of skipper John Terry in defence and the Portuguese is frustrated he is not available.

“The medical department always tell me he looks like he is ready. I was told he would probably play this game (against City). He didn’t, so now do they say for sure he plays the next game? I don’t know,” Mourinho said.