Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini feels Sergio Aguero’s return will see his side improve ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool at the Etihad stadium.
City will be hoping the Argentine will continue a run of scoring in all three of his Premier League appearances against Liverpool at the Etihad.
Aguero’s return to fitness provides a timely boost for Pellegrini, as his side are still plagued by injury problems to key players.
“Sergio is fit – he’s ready to come back,” the Chilean manager said.
“David [Silva] continues with some small sprain in his ankle so it’s a risk for him to play. [Wilfried] Bony and Vincent Kompany are also injured.
“One of the merits of this team is not just to depend on one player, but of course our team is better with Sergio.”
Although Pellegrini didn’t confirm whether Aguero would start, City will be hoping that his comeback marks the return of their early season goal scoring form.
The Citizens have drawn two of their last three league games 0-0 after a run of 60 matches without a goalless draw.
Manchester City versus Liverpool is a fixture that has brought both goals and points to the sky blue side in recent years however.
There have been at least three goals in each of the last six Premier League games between these sides – with a total of 23 goals scored.
Liverpool are also winless in their last six Premier League games away to Manchester City.
The game remains a tough test for City, with Liverpool starting to find their feet after Jurgen Klopp’s first month in charge.
There will also be added spice to the fixture as it is the first time Raheem Sterling and James Milner face their former clubs after swapping sides over the summer.
Pellegrini has called on his side to maintain a cold focus in such big games to ensure his side can achieve success in all competitions.
“It’s important to retain the same way we finished [before the international break] – at the moment we are having a good season,” City’s manager said.
“One of the most important things in important games is to have a cold mind, not a cold heart but a cold mind. It’s so important and I hope we can do it.
“I think that for me is never a pressure to be top – you always want to be top as you only depend on what you can do.
“For me it’s a pleasure to be top and we’ll continue to try to.”
Image courtesy of TalkSPORT via YouTube, with thanks.
