Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reckons the battle for the fourth place in the Premier League will go down to the wire after their win against Fulham.

The 2-1 victory over Fulham gave three points to Manchester City, which saw them climb above Liverpool into fifth and within touching distance of the coveted Champions League spot.

"It was an important win for us, but it'll be a fight until the end of the season," The Mirror quoted Mancini, as saying.

City now has games against Everton, Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham.

Currently Tottenham is occupying the fourth spot, with a game in hand.

City will take on Everton at home on Wednesday, but Mancini will miss the service of defender Joleon Lescott after he pulled a hamstring in the warm-up against Fulham.

"I don't think he can play against Everton," Mancini added. (ANI)