Liverpool vs Man City: Manuel Pellegrini rubbishes suggestions jet lag will be ‘decisive’ factor ahead of Anfield clash

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Manuel Pellegrini does not believe Liverpool’s late night in Turkey will be the deciding factor on Sunday…

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has rubbished suggestions that Liverpool will be suffering from jet lag when his side travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

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Liverpool did not arrive back home until 4.20am on Friday, following the penalty shoot-out defeat to Besiktas in Istanbul, but Pellegrini is still expecting a tough game against the in form Reds.

“I think that of course it is an advantage, but not a decisive one because I always think the decisive thing is the performance on the day of the game,” said Pellegrini.

“You cannot prepare the game because you finish on Thursday night and you must play on Sunday, the players need at least 48 hours to recover. If we think we are going to win that game because Liverpool arrive yesterday night late, that is not the reason.

“We must play very good because they also have a strong squad. I don’t think they will play the same starting 11 as yesterday night.

“I have played in the Europa League and when you arrive on Friday, it’s not the best way to prepare for a game on Sunday, but those are the rules. They are playing Europa League. Maybe another time, we prepare worse for the game.”

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been in near unstoppable form since the turn of the year, and have not lost a Premier League game since mid-December.

We beat City 3-2 in the corresponding fixture last season, and coming off the back of such a disappointing night in Europe, we will no doubt be anxious to put things right against the defending champions.

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