There were ominous signs towards the end of 2013 that Manchester City had started to hit top form under the management of Manuel Pellegrini.
From a possible 18 points, City have collected 16, which will see them go into Wednesday's clash with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in second place and just one point behind leaders Arsenal.
In fact, if they avoid defeat in Wales, then Pellegrini's men will go top for a few hours at least due to the fact that their match starts ahead of their rivals.
They will once again be without the services of Sergio Aguero because of a calf complaint, while defensive duo Micah Richards and Martin Demichelis are likely to miss out with injuries.
However, despite having suffered an eye injury last time out against Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Joe Hart is expected to continue between the posts for City.
As for hosting Swansea, last season's leading goalscorer Michu is being kept out of action with an ankle problem.
The Citizens have not won away at Swansea since 1984, although it is only a run that dates back three matches.
Recent form
Swansea City: WDDLLD
Man City: WDWWWW
Possible starting lineups
Swansea: Tremmel; Tiendalli, Williams, Chico, Davies; Canas, De Guzman, Shelvey, Hernandez; Lamah, Bony
Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Fernandinho, Toure, Milner, Silva, Nasri; Negredo
Sports Mole says: 0-2
Liam Apicella
