But last season’s Premier League top scorer could be in from the start at the Etihad.
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Pellegrini feels it is important to get a good result this weekend to send out a strong message for the season ahead, even if it is too early to talk about the encounter in terms of its title significance.
Chelsea, the 2014-2015 champions, began the season at home with a 2-2 tie against Swansea City.
“It’d be very naive to think that Chelsea will be the only team competing for the top position – there will be many of us and each one will challenge in their own style”.
Chelsea have not lost any of their last 28 Premier League games in the month of August (W23 D5).
Pellegrini and Chelsea boss Mourinho have a frosty relationship that dates back to when Mourinho succeeded Pellegrini as Real Madrid manager in 2010 and made unflattering comments about his predecessor.
“The players will be more interested in the game“.
The prediction for the game on Sunday will be 3-1 to Manchester City.
The closely played match showcased some of the team’s new faces, including Colombian star Radamel Falcao, who played for Man City’s archenemy, Manchester United, last season.
Yaya Toure looked back to his best when City travelled to West Brom on Monday night, unintentionally providing the assist for David Silva’s opener, before getting on the scoresheet midway through the first half.
For Chelsea, defeat would mean one point from a possible six and a five-point deficit to overcome so soon in their title defence; for City, victory could well inject the sort of confidence with which they could set sail for the championship already. It would make him the 32nd player to reach this landmark.
“I am not going to say the game is not important, but for sure I don’t say the game decides anything for the victor or the loser”.
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The 20-year-old hit 21 goals in his final two seasons at Anfield, playing alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, and Pellegrini believes he can improve – and further add to his tally – while at City.
