The pair square up at Eastlands tomorrow with City knowing victory would put them six points clear of the north London outfit - and confirm them as real challengers to champions Chelsea.

Yet, at such an early stage of the season, Mancini is calling for caution.

"I don't know whether we can say we will be challengers for the title just because we win this match," said the Italian.

"Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe. They have played together for many years.

"We have only started this year. That is the difference."

Nevertheless, City are catching up fast.

Emmanuel Adebayor's Europa League hat-trick against Lech Poznan on Thursday has put the striker in line to face his former club.

Skipper Carlos Tevez will also expect to be handed a striking berth, while £23million new boy Mario Balotelli is likely to be on the bench after recovering from the knee injury he suffered on his debut in Timisoara two months ago.

"We have a good team but, if we want to be better than Arsenal, we need to improve more," said Mancini.

"This game is a chance to show that. But we must work hard, as they have done for so many years.

"I feel good about things. I know my squad is good.

"But we are at the start of the season, and it is too early to make judgments."

Adebayor is bound to be the centre of attention tomorrow.

Few will need reminding of his appearance in the corresponding fixture against the Gunners last season.

Adebayor scored, was subsequently fined £20,000 and given a suspended two-match ban for his goal celebration, and also had to miss three games for raking a boot down the side of Robin van Persie's face in a stormy affair that City won 4-2.

City could do without a repeat of the sideshow.

But an Adebayor determined to enjoy more success at Arsene Wenger's expense would be a major advantage as the Blues look to consolidate second spot.

"If he scores it would be better for him to stay calm," advised Mancini.