Pellegrini’s Anfield warning

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is refusing to view the match as a title decider.

Liverpool top the table ahead of the weekend fixtures with Chelsea second and third-placed City four points behind the leaders, but with seven games remaining compared to the Reds’ five.

Pellegrini, who could have top scorer Sergio Aguero back today, said: “It is not a game that will decide the title.

“It is a very important game but we can beat Liverpool and after, if we lose against Sunderland and West Brom, we are not going to win the title.

“It is important because we are playing the team that are top of the table, but if we think this game is more important than next Wednesday we are not going to win the title. Of course the team that wins this game has more chances to win the title, because the team that wins has three points more, but if you think that with this you finish the Premier League it is a mistake.

“There are a lot of other chances to continue fighting because I think this year, the title will be decided by just one point at the end of the season.”

Pellegrini is thriving on the intensity of the closest battle for top spot in years.

He said: "I don't try to take advantage and say we don't have any pressure because we play away or they are the best team — they (Liverpool) are top of the table.

"That's why I have so much respect for Arsene Wenger saying Arsenal can do it. "Afterwards, if they can't do it, then it's another problem, but if you are at an important club you can't say, 'We don't have pressure to win a title, the other clubs have it all'. It's impossible not to enjoy a fight for the title as has happened this year in the Premier League.

"That's why we are here — fighting for the title. It's better for everyone to have three or four teams fighting for the title. I enjoy it."

Pellegrini also believes a “cold mind” will be required, coming close to the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and a number of commemorations are planned.

Pellegrini is respectful of the occasion but, once kick-off arrives, wants his players fully focused. The Chilean said: “It is very important to remember what happened in that tragedy.

“It will be a very emotional day but the team that has the cold mind will win the game. It is very important to manage the anxiety. That is very important for all the players.”