Mancini issues City with festive warning

WEST BROMWICH, United Kingdom, Dec 25 (AFP): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has warned his Premier League leaders that they cannot afford to offer up unexpected gifts on their travels over the festive season. City start their final game of 2011 at West Bromwich Albion on Monday two points clear of nearest rivals Manchester United and on course for their first top-flight title for 44 years. But Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions will end the calendar year at the summit if they follow up victory over struggling Wigan on Monday with another three points against bottom club Blackburn on Sunday. That is because City do not play again after Monday until January 1, when they travel to Sunderland.