I have come across the expression _game in hand_ in [an article on England Premier League][1], as follows:

> Third-place City has a **game in hand** but the surprise result against Sunderland, coupled with Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Liverpool, may be a setback too far in its bid for a second championship in three seasons.

I do not quite understand what _game in hand_ means in this context.
What would be the correct meaning? 



  [1]: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001217160