Manchester City midfielder James Milner has admitted that his side fully expect a backlash from rivals Manchester United when the rivals meet in the FA Cup this weekend.

The last time the sides went head-to-head Roberto Mancini's men annihilated the Premier League champions 6-1 at Old Trafford.

The England international knows that Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be out for revenge, but feels City are in good form after their recent win over Liverpool.

“That will have hurt them bad,” Milner stated in a press conference.

“Everyone, from the players to the management, will be more than up for it.

“As much enjoyment as we got from it, they probably felt three times as much pain. We have got to be aware of that. It’s down to us to put another good performance and build on our win over Liverpool.

“It was important that we got that result to go into the cup game. We want to defend out title. It’s nice to be able to say that, but there is no tougher game than against Manchester United.

“After the last time we played them, we know they are going to fly out the traps. They will want to get one over us. We need to make sure we match that determination and will to win that they will give.

“Hopefully we can then go and play our football," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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