Manchester City Coach Manuel Pellegrini says he is hoping that his team is able to take advantage of Liverpool’s hectic Europa League schedule in this Sunday’s Premier League game.
He insisted the Reds’ return in the early hours of Friday morning from their defeat in Istanbul against Besiktas would hamper Brendan Rodgers’ side – but would not prove pivotal.
With Chelsea involved in the Capital One Cup final later the same day, City can cut the London side’s lead at the top of the table to two points with a win in the noon kick-off games.
Pellegrini said: “I think that of course it is an advantage, not a decisive one because I always think the decisive thing is the performance on the day of the game.”
“If we think we are going to win that game because Liverpool arrived last night, that is not the reason.”
“But I have played in the Europa League and when you arrive on Friday it is not the best way to prepare for a game on Sunday – but that is the rules. They are playing Europa League.”
“Maybe another time we (will) prepare worse for the game.”
“We must play very well because they also have a strong squad. I don’t think they will play the same starting 11 as yesterday night. They are a strong team and it is a difficult stadium.”
Chelsea remains the strong title favorite but City got two points back last week after beating Newcastle and Pellegrini wants to take advantage of the Blues’ cup distraction this Sunday.
