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Valencia fears prospect of Tevez winner deciding title

Antonio Valencia is happy to be back in the first team for Manchester United © Getty Images

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Antonio Valencia says it would cause him "pain for months" if former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez scored the winner for Manchester City against United to help his new side win the title.

Valencia is expecting the derby meeting between the two sides at the Etihad Stadium at the end of April to prove pivotal in the destination of the Premier League title and, with Tevez back in the fold at his new club, the Ecuador winger admits he has considered the prospect of the Argentine scoring against his old club to decide the contest.

"If Carlos plays against us, I'm sure he'll be motivated," Valencia told The Sun. "He's an excellent player, able to change a match in an instant. What he did against Chelsea was no surprise.

"But for Tevez to score the winner? I hope it doesn't happen.

"And for us to fail and lose the title will bring pain for months. But I'm confident in my team. There's a lot of pride in Manchester that our two clubs are the best in England.

"But now we are focused on Fulham because our challenge is to win all our matches and to arrive with an advantage over City on derby day."

United will build a three-point lead over City if they beat Fulham on Monday evening, after City were held by Stoke City at the weekend. Valencia hopes his side will have extended their advantage by the time the top two meet for the second time in the league, but is nevertheless desperate for his side to gain revenge for a harrowing experience at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.

"I'm not saying whether that game will decide the title but it's clear the winners will deliver a morale blow to the other club," he added. "So I expect a big battle and for us to avenge our 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford."

Frequent, and sometimes serious, injuries have affected Valencia's progress at Old Trafford in recent times, but he is back in the team and flying after overcoming his most recent setback, a hamstring strain in the Europa League contest against Ajax.

"I'm happy to be back. Initially, I feared my latest injury would affect me but this time the situation wasn't so grave," he said. "Now I dream about helping the team, making the most of my chances.

"It's not easy getting into the first XI at United. That was why I was angered about my last injury.

"I have been working with the physios to advance my recovery and now the key for me is to avoid more injury problems."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.