Source: SKY_Sports
Toure relishing United clash
Kolo Toure says Manchester City are relishing taking on the city rivals United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Big-spending City have made an impressive start to the new Premier League campaign, winning all four of their league games to date on the back of heavy strengthening during the close season.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side remain the team to beat having won the title for the past three seasons, although Toure believes City are full of confidence after dispatching Arsenal last weekend.
The Ivory Coast international insists City are desperate to crack the 'big four' and is predicting a fiercely-contested encounter.
Big four
"We're trying to get among the big four in this country," Toure told skysports.com. "We played well against Arsenal. To get three points against Arsenal was fantastic.
"No we have to go to Old Trafford and show our credentials. It'll be a difficult game for them and we're looking forward to playing.
"Man City will be a force this season because we have so many great and good players. Also we have so much experience."
Meanwhile, Toure has leapt to the defence of Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been hit with two FA charges in the wake of City's 4-2 win over Arsenal.
The Togo international has been charged with violent conduct for his challenge on Robin van Persie and has also been hit with an improper conduct charge for his goal celebration at Eastlands.
Case closed
Toure believes his team-mate's apology should be the end of the matter, while he also thinks there was no malice in his challenge on Van Persie.
"Adebayor was crucial against Arsenal. He's already apologised and the matter is closed for us," he continued.
"He shouldn't be banned. The referee gave him a yellow card. The Van Persie incident was just an accident.
"We're behind him and he'll score so many goals this season because he's devoted to the club and he loves his football again."
