Pellegrini calls for unity after derby defeat
Under-pressure Manuel Pellegrini has called for Manchester City to show unity in their clash with West Ham amid an injury crisis and an alarming slump in form.
The Premier League champions have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions and have fallen out of the title race as a result.
Pellegrini's men sit 12 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea following a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday, a result that only served to increase the speculation over the Chilean's future at the club.
Whilst facing rumours suggesting that he will be replaced by Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, Pellegrini is also contending with a mounting injury list at City.
Captain Vincent Kompany is in danger of missing the rest of the season with a muscle injury, while Gael Clichy (groin), Stevan Jovetic, Wilfried Bony and James Milner have all been ruled out.
Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata could be in contention to feature after being declared fit following a knee injury.
"It's more important than ever to have the fans, the players and the staff together as one. We are one club,” said Pellegrini.
"My pressure is always the same, to win every game for this team to play in the way I like the team to play.
"Last year there was more pressure when we were fighting for the title. The pressure is for us to recover our normal performance and that's not the same as fighting for the title."
West Ham, meanwhile, will be without Diafra Sakho due to a thigh injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City last weekend, joining James Tomkins (shoulder) and Andy Carroll (knee) on the sidelines.
After witnessing City's dip in form, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen for his players to put City under further pressure.
"I'm very surprised that Manchester City have lost four away games on the trot," Allardyce said. "I think that's a huge shock across the football world based on the amount of talent they have. Like ourselves, they can't seem to find a way to win recently.
"I watched them against Crystal Palace and I thought they defended brilliantly after they scored but generally Manchester City are exceptionally good at breaking down defences.
"Hopefully we can test their nerve, at home they are usually very good so we know how tough it'll be."
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