LONDON: Manager Manuel Pellegrini expects Manchester City to be crowned English champions for the second time in three seasons with his side needing only a point from their final home game against West Ham United on Sunday.
City will win the Premier League unless Sam Allardyce’s West Ham pull off a major upset at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool beat Newcastle United at Anfield.
City, who beat Aston Villa 4-0 on Wednesday, head into the final match of the season with 83 points, two ahead of Liverpool whose collapse at Crystal Palace on Monday when they blew a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3, left their title hopes in tatters.
“Of course, I expect to win the title now because we are top of the table,” Pellegrini said. “Winning the next game means we can win the title...
“We are not thinking of drawing. We are thinking of trying to play. As we did so far during the whole season here at the Etihad.”
The only way Liverpool can end their 24-year-wait for the title now is if City lose to West Ham and Liverpool win. If City draw and Liverpool win, City would win the title on goal difference.
City have beaten West Ham three times this season, winning 3-1 at Upton Park in the league and routing the Londoners 9-0 on aggregate in the Capital One (League) Cup semi-finals, so an upset looks unlikely.AFP
