Pellegrini Hoping To Do Man City A Favour By Beating Liverpool

By Max Wise

West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini is hoping to kill two birds with one stone by getting the Hammers back to winning ways against Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday.

Pellegrini is however, aware that such a result will hand his old side, Manchester City, a boost in their quest to retain their title.

Pellegrini spent three years in charge of Manchester City and led them to the Premier League title in 2014 as well as a Champions League semi-final spot for the first time in their history in 2016.

West Ham United have lost three successive games on the spin since beating Arsenal at home in early January, including a surprise loss to League One side AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.

Manchester City have cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to two points with victory over Arsenal on Sunday, and should the leaders fail to win at West Ham, the Citizens could overtake them with victory in the rearranged league game against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

“If we win, I will be very happy for our club first,” said the Chilean.

“We need a good performance against the leaders.

“After that, if we can give a hand to Manchester City, it’s not our problem, but of course I am a fan of Manchester City also.”

Liverpool beat West Ham 4-0 at Anfield in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, and will be hoping for a similar result to reestablish their five-point lead at the top.