Pellegrini eyeing Champions League prize for Man City?

At the beginning of the season they looked unbeatable, sweeping other teams aside in ruthless fashion. Aguero’s contribution here was crucial, though a supporting cast of David Silva and Raheem Sterling were just as important.

There is no coincidence that injuries to both Aguero and Silva at the same time was met with a drop in form, however the loss of captain Vincent Kompany was just as damaging. The Belgian’s start to the campaign suggested that he was back to his best, while Yaya Toure also looked rejuvenated with the rest of his teammates at their best.

Signing Kevin De Bruyne has proved to be a masterstroke and he, along with Wilfried Bony have helped to keep City in the title race as well as taking them to the top of their Champions League group.

Winter window opportunity to strengthen chances?

If Pellegrini can strengthen with quality in January, it will give him a chance to rotate his squad to prevent injuries, however he will know that he won’t be able to register a player for the Champions League unless they haven’t played in Europe this season.

What this opportunity means though, is that any new signings can be used predominantly for their quest to win the Premier League, while allowing him to protect the likes of Aguero and Silva, should they advance to the latter stages of the Champions League.

However, there are no easy games beyond the group stage and there are a number of teams who can win the Champions League, including usual suspects Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Fans can expect City to play their strongest team against Juventus and if they do secure three points, his gamble against Liverpool will have paid off.

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