Pellegrini insists teams haven’t worked out Manchester City

The Citizens, who were held to a goalless draw at the ground on Wednesday, are now third in the Premier League with 40 points from 21 outings, just three behind leaders Arsenal.

But Pellegrini is confident that was an aberration, saying: “One of the things this team is not is predictable. I especially think he will be an important player”.

“Not one team in the Premier League has played against our team hand to hand, they are always waiting for us, with eight or nine players behind the ball near their box. We try to make the movement to create space”.

City, meanwhile, who face Crystal Palace at home on Saturday, on Friday confirmed the signing of Australian midfielder Anthony Caceres from Central Coast Mariners. Before that they played in September 2015 and Manchester City won the game 0 – 1.

“It’s important for him to work every day with important players”.

“The injuries are exactly the same as the last game, we are without Fernandinho, Mangala, Bony, Vincent, Nasri, Patrick Roberts”, the City boss said. Zaha, Wickham, Sako and Puncheon will take the game to City with Cabaye pulling the strings in midfield but I feel like without Bolasie they are missing their star man. Crystal Palace have a solid midfield and defence though and wont just roll over here.

Raheem Sterling believes Manchester City should be able to defeat Crystal Palace tomorrow if his side play anywhere near their best at the Etihad Stadium.

“Kelechi is in the squad list – we’ll see tomorrow the starting XI”, Pellegrini said.

“It will not be easy for these clubs (Real) and they want to buy the top players”. They became the first visiting team to be beaten at Villa Park in the league this season.

“(Adebayor) is in that group.

“We still think another striker in the group would pay dividends given the position we’re in as we’re four (actually five) points off the Champions League positions”. We had a very hard game against Palace in London, winning in the very last minute.