Rather than rest up ahead of decisive period in their season, Manchester City intend to travel to Abu Dhabi on January 14 just two days after a key Premier League fixture against Newcastle United.
The UAE capital is the home of owner Sheikh Mansour and City will face Al Ain in a friendly to open the Arabian Gulf League champions’ new stadium, the Hazza bin Zayed.
Although Pellegrini has been critical of the number of fixtures his side have had to play over the festive period it is understood he has no issue with the trip and the added game to the ever-expanding schedule.
The Chilean’s side will enjoy a week of training in warmer conditions after the game against Newcastle United, providing they avoid a replay in Saturday’s third-round FA Cup tie against local rivals Blackburn Rovers.
City players can also expect some downtime to relax and prepare for the second half of the campaign as they attempt to win four titles.
The Blues are second in the top flight and their challenge for the FA Cup after last year’s final heartbreak is about to get underway.
City then face West Ham United in the Capital One Cup semi-finals, scheduled for this month and have a mouth-watering Champions League last-16 tie with Spanish giants Barcelona in February and March.
Image courtesy of MCFC TV via YouTube, with thanks.
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