Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini does not expect a protest by Aston Villa fans to weaken his side's opponents on Sunday.

A section of disgruntled Villa supporters are planning to demonstrate against manager Alex McLeish prior to their Barclays Premier League clash with title-chasing City at Villa Park, but Mancini does not think the Villa players will be unsettled.

When asked if City could capitalise on any uncertainty, Mancini said: "We would hope to but I don't know this. It won't change our opinion, it will still be a difficult game."

He added: "They lost their last game against Newcastle and so we will need to play a good game if we want to win against Aston Villa.

"When the game starts their supporters will support their team, always."

Mancini was heavily critical of himself after City were beaten at Everton in their last away game, saying he underestimated the Merseysiders and did not prepare the team properly.

He insists he and the players cannot afford to repeat any such errors as they attempt to hold off the challenge of Manchester United over the closing months of the season.

He said: "I know what my job is but I am human. Sometimes I can make mistakes, like the referee, like the players.

"Everyone can make a mistake sometimes. It is important the players understand this and they put everything on the pitch.

"When you think that you have made some mistakes, after you prepare better. If you made some mistakes, I don't think you can do the same mistakes against Aston Villa."