Pellegrini cited too many games, a lack of preparation time and the worldwide breaks as possible reasons for their flat showing against Hughes’ side, but denied they are lacking figureheads in the absence of Kompany, Toure and Aguero. With just two points separating the top four at the moment, City will settle for nothing less than a win against Stoke.
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3 Who has stood out for you so far this season?
He said: ‘I think if you want to be the most important people in football or one of the most important, you must be able to bring all the best players here.
City’s injury list is gradually clearing up with goalkeeper Joe Hart and striker Sergio Aguero doubtful for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, but in line to play against Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday.
After a week in which the league leaders reached the Capital One Cup semi-finals with victory over Hull, Pellegrini maintained that while an unprecedented quadruple remains far from his mind, it is not impossible.
Everton fans would have been hoping for an easier League Cup tie with Stoke City, who have been drawn against Everton’s bitter rivals Liverpool in the other semi-final fixture. Due to Leicester City’s draw with Manchester United, Manchester City are now leading the Premier League. We have a strong team and everyone has confidence, the young guys that came in, the experienced guys, and we just have to continue like this.
City have only conceded one Premier League goal in eight games with the Belgium worldwide on the pitch this season, but they are yet to keep a clean sheet during the other six matches in his absence. Everton are a match for anyone on their day and if they can put all their best players out, they are a very good team.
However, it was the creative flair of Shaqiri, who created both of Arnautovic’s goals, who sparkled on a blustery afternoon.
Kevin de Bruyne has admitted that he did not expect to start in the Manchester City lineup so quickly after his big-money move from Wolfsburg earlier this summer. There are no targets at this stage apart from looking at the next game, but Klopp has helped everyone at the club look towards the top. It shows the strength of the Premier League.
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“The most [concerning] thing is that we are playing in all the competitions with all the same players”, Pellegrini told BT Sport after his team ended a forgettable outing with 10 men as midfielder Fernando sustained a hamstring injury.
