Tuesday 1 March 2016 14:30, UK
Manuel Pellegrini beleives there is no outright favourite for the Premier League title this season, but expects Manchester City to have a "final push".
City lie nine points behind Leicester in fourth place - with a game in hand - ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
With 36 points still to play for, Pellegrini is adamant all is not lost despite the media's title focus being trained primarily on Leicester, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Pellegrini, who takes his side to Anfield just three days after their Capital One Cup success over Jurgen Klopp's side at Wembley, said: "It was a very long game in the final.
"Both teams will have had the same rest, but it is easier when you have won. I don't know how Liverpool will react - it is a different competition. We will have a tough game, but we will try to win.
"For our team, the three points are important if we are to be involved in the title until the end. There are no favourites for the title with so many games still to play. Of course, it is easier for Leicester and Tottenham but we know what the Premier League is like."
City won 10 of their final 13 league games to claim the title in 2014 as pace-setting Liverpool faltered and the club can take heart from that victory charge, according to Pellegrini.
He said: "That season we always had three games in hand. We had to win them but it was important in that season. We only have one game in hand now and have to wait for other teams to slip up but I am sure we will have a final push.
"When you have the experience of winning the title, it is easier - you must always trust your experience. I remember when City won the title with Roberto Mancini in 2012, they were behind United with games to play.
"If we lose tomorrow and slip to nine points, the range of error is less. It will be a difficult game at Anfield."
