Roberto Mancini's men are looking to break into the top four this season and Platt recognises the importance of picking up results against the other big clubs.
They have made a good start by beating Liverpool and Chelsea and holding Manchester United to a goalless draw on Wednesday night, although there was a setback with a home defeat to Arsenal last month.
But Platt knows such form only really matters if City can perform to the same level against the Premier League's so-called lesser lights.
"I worked for Sky for a long period of time," said Platt. "They have this head-to-head table, which has a big say on who wins the Premier League and who gets into the top two or three.
"But sometimes it doesn't. You have to make sure you follow up good performances against the bigger teams and win games against the others."
Platt has therefore demanded that the players stay focused for the home clash with Alex McLeish's Birmingham this Saturday.
"We must make sure we are concentrated and give the same output, physically and mentally, against every team that is in the Premier League," he explained.
"You simply cannot underestimate any opposition in this league.
"When you look at the likes of Chelsea and think this is a very important game, then immediately afterwards you are playing Newcastle, which is just as significant.
"We went to Blackpool recently and ground out a result from a match where we didn't play particularly well.
"It seems that every time you prepare for a game it is must-win. That is what life at the top of the league is about."
Platt accepts that it is difficult to keep up a level of consistency across various competitions over the course of a season, but he believes City have a strong enough squad to clinch UEFA Champions League qualification.
"There was great deal of media attention around the Manchester derby, which was understandable," he said.
"You can feel the atmosphere building in the ground because there is so much expectancy.
"A lot of City supporters look at our team and think we should be beating Manchester United.
"But the season comes down to far more than just one match. It is about making sure that over those 38 league games we are at least in a Champions League position and we give a good account of ourselves in the Europa League and the FA Cup when it comes.
"Winning trophies is hard but that is an aim.
"But the objective from the football club, from the players and the manager, is to ensure that we get Champions League football next season."
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