Manchester City will hope it is third time lucky when they face Hull this weekend after losing two games on the bounce in the space of just seven days.
The Blues suffered a 2-1 defeat mid-week to Barcelona in the Champions League and prior to that had lost in the FA Cup against holders Wigan.
The defeats mean the Blues have lost any chance of the quadruple this season and instead will travel to Hull this weekend desperately looking to keep their title aspirations alive.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce is all too aware of this and the backlash his side may face when they come up against City at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
“We have to be aware that there could be a backlash because of the talent they’ve got and the expectation that goes with them now,” the former Manchester United defender said.
“After a difficult week the one thing they will want to do is come here and turn us over.
“We know we’ll have to be at our best and also hope that they aren’t quite at their best.
“The league is a huge priority for Manchester City now. A week ago, everybody was asking if they could go and win four trophies.”
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash against Hull this weekend, Pellegrini has cited it as a must win game to keep up their title challenge.
“We need to win all the games from now until the end of the season,” the 60-year-old said.
“The game against Hull is special because we have less than 72 hours to recover but it is a chance to see our mentality.
“It is so important to win on Saturday.”
Pellegrini will be without striker Sergio Aguero for the trip to the North East and fans will have to wait until tomorrow before the extent of the Argentinean’s injury is properly assessed.
Stefan Jovetic and Matija Nastasic are also still unavailable but both could return next week while Micah Richards is still suffering with an injury.
In direct contrast to the Blues’ recent run of form, Bruce guided the Tigers through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a win over Sunderland and hopes their good form will continue.
“There’s a feel-good factor around us at the minute,” he said.
“We’ve had a good week. Can we top it off by producing a fantastic performance against Manchester City?
“With the bit of luck you need and the bounce of the ball, hopefully it can be our day.”
Image courtesy of Hull City, via Youtube, with thanks
