Manchester City
manager Manuel
Pellegrini is remaining
defiant over the
reigning Premier
League champions'
poor form ahead of Sunday's derby against
Manchester United.
Pellegrini's men slumped to a third
consecutive away league defeat - and fourth
in all competitions in a row on the road - at
Selhurst Park on Monday, as they lost 2-1 to
Crystal Palace to leave their title defence in
tatters.
City were level on points with leaders
Chelsea on New Year's Day, but four wins
and as many losses over the 11 subsequent
league games means they head to Old
Trafford a point and a place behind United
in fourth.
But Pellegrini insists that his team are still
playing well, having seen them dominate for
long periods without reward against Palace
last time out.
"We lost the last away games, especially the
last two with two goals in set-pieces,
against Burnley and Palace," he said.
"We hope we continue doing the good
things we are doing because we are not a
disaster, we're not a mess. We are doing a
lot of things well."
City captain Vincent Kompany is facing a late
fitness test on a hamstring injury sustained
during the second half against Palace, while
forward duo Wilfried Bony and Stevan
Jovetic remain injured.
The latter concerns could mean a start for
Edin Dzeko alongside Sergio Aguero in
attack. The Bosnian striker has just four
Premier League goals this season - the same
number he has netted on his past two
appearances at Old Trafford on derby day.
Indeed, City can be buoyed by impressive
recent form against their neighbours,
having won the past four derbies and six of
the last seven in the league. A victory at the
weekend would make City the first team to
win five consecutive Premier League games
against United.
But Louis van Gaal and his squad will be
confident, having taken a haul of 40 points
on their own turf this term - the highest
number in the Premier League, where they
are on a winning run of five matches.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman is keen to keep
his players on their toes.
"'Never change a winning team' is an
English expression," he told MUTV. "You
must see the quality of your opponent and
make a decision with the staff, so it's not
always about never changing the team."
Robin van Persie has returned to training
for United following an ankle injury, but the
169th Manchester derby comes too soon for
him, while England defenders Chris Smalling
(illness) and Luke Shaw (hamstring) will be
assessed.
manager Manuel
Pellegrini is remaining
defiant over the
reigning Premier
League champions'
poor form ahead of Sunday's derby against
Manchester United.
Pellegrini's men slumped to a third
consecutive away league defeat - and fourth
in all competitions in a row on the road - at
Selhurst Park on Monday, as they lost 2-1 to
Crystal Palace to leave their title defence in
tatters.
City were level on points with leaders
Chelsea on New Year's Day, but four wins
and as many losses over the 11 subsequent
league games means they head to Old
Trafford a point and a place behind United
in fourth.
But Pellegrini insists that his team are still
playing well, having seen them dominate for
long periods without reward against Palace
last time out.
"We lost the last away games, especially the
last two with two goals in set-pieces,
against Burnley and Palace," he said.
"We hope we continue doing the good
things we are doing because we are not a
disaster, we're not a mess. We are doing a
lot of things well."
City captain Vincent Kompany is facing a late
fitness test on a hamstring injury sustained
during the second half against Palace, while
forward duo Wilfried Bony and Stevan
Jovetic remain injured.
The latter concerns could mean a start for
Edin Dzeko alongside Sergio Aguero in
attack. The Bosnian striker has just four
Premier League goals this season - the same
number he has netted on his past two
appearances at Old Trafford on derby day.
Indeed, City can be buoyed by impressive
recent form against their neighbours,
having won the past four derbies and six of
the last seven in the league. A victory at the
weekend would make City the first team to
win five consecutive Premier League games
against United.
But Louis van Gaal and his squad will be
confident, having taken a haul of 40 points
on their own turf this term - the highest
number in the Premier League, where they
are on a winning run of five matches.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman is keen to keep
his players on their toes.
"'Never change a winning team' is an
English expression," he told MUTV. "You
must see the quality of your opponent and
make a decision with the staff, so it's not
always about never changing the team."
Robin van Persie has returned to training
for United following an ankle injury, but the
169th Manchester derby comes too soon for
him, while England defenders Chris Smalling
(illness) and Luke Shaw (hamstring) will be
assessed.