Liverpool game a six-pointer, says Manchester City boss

Monday's meeting with Liverpool will be a six-pointer, according to Manchester City's manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The champions, who finished two points clear at the top of the table after Liverpool faltered in the last month of last season, have home advantage and their Chilean manager said they must make it count.

"I always say to the players these games are games of six points, especially when you play at home against one of the most important squads in the Premier League in Liverpool," he told a news conference today. "I cannot know whether Liverpool will be affected by last season or not. My way of thinking is that last season is finished and we are not thinking about it anymore.

“These are different games and different moments but it is important for our team to start winning points at home.”

Even if Liverpool sign maverick striker Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, he will not be eligible to play against his old club on Monday. Pellegrini insists the Merseysiders will still miss striker Luis Suarez, who has been sold to Barcelona, but sys Balotelli could fit in well at Anfield.

"I think Mario Balotelli is a very good player. He went here from Manchester City to Italy but I think he can play everywhere he wants. I know the character of Mario Balotelli - everyone that is involved in football knows about him.

“If Liverpool decide he is the player that is important for them, perfect for them and perfect for Mario.”

As for his own squad, the City manager believes that despite winning 2-0 at Newcastle on the opening weekend of the season, they will need more time to become fully fit.

“For this week, most of the players will be not 100 percent but mostly ready,” he added. “We have 13 or 14 players that are still in pre-season. We are just starting the season and maybe we don’t have our squad in full fitness but this week, we have worked very hard and very well so I hope we can do a very good game.”