Vincent Kompany insists Manchester City have the mental strength to win the Premier League title.
Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled side have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League cut by Manchester United after winning just three of their last six games.
They start the weekend level on points with United but remain at the top of the table due to a superior goal difference.
City have an opportunity to pile the pressure on their neighbours. United will start their tough game at fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday three points behind if City can defeat mid-table Fulham at home on Saturday.
"If there is one thing I know about our team it is that we are mentally strong," said City captain Kompany.
"We have been living with this pressure for the past three and a half years, and it has not affected us.
"If anything it will give us a boost to carry on and if people want to underestimate us, then please do so."
Mancini's side, defeated in the League Cup semi-final by Liverpool last week, are aiming to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 loss at Everton in midweek.
They have been hurt by the loss of brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure who are representing the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. Kompany has also just returned from a four-match suspension.
But the Belgium international defender believes City can gain momentum against Fulham, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton and Swansea before their next encounter with one of the so-called Big Four - Chelsea at home on March 19.
"It's not been an enjoyable week, but I have been looking at the team and still feel that we have done a good job," added former Hamburg player Kompany.
"Now we have to look forward, and looking forward I see good things for us, and that is what is important.
"I have always said about our team that we always bounce back very well, and if for some reason you are not lucky and lose a game - giving due credit to Everton - you just have to carry on.
"My role now is to say to the guys that this one is over, and it's on to the next game, and a clean sheet. We start from the beginning again.
"There is no such thing as a winnable game. You can win every game, or lose every game. But if we prepare the way we have to, I still think we are always going to start as favourites, and we need to maximise on that."
Fulham arrive at City at the end of a week which saw them held to a 1-1 home draw by West Brom after selling striker Bobby Zamora to London rivals Queens Park Rangers in a deal that could be worth more than £6 million.
Manager Martin Jol insisted the departure of Zamora, who scored 20 goals in 91 league appearances, was in the best interests of the club.
"Bobby wanted to move so we had to wait for a good offer and QPR made a good offer," said Jol.
"We have a good atmosphere here, a good spirit and they all want to play for the club.
"You have to appreciate for me the most important thing is that they want to play for Fulham and that they want to play with their heart."
Source: AFP
Source: AFP