Manuel Pellegrini: Premier League focus gives Leicester title edge
Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Leicester City have the advantage in the title race because they only have the Premier League to aim for, says Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.
The surprise leaders have 13 top-flight matches left to play, having already been knocked out of both domestic cups.
Pellegrini's side could play 27 times as they challenge for four trophies.
"Going forward, Leicester have an advantage," he said. "But I don't think that will be the only thing they need from now to the end of the season."
Leicester are five points clear of second-placed Tottenham following Saturday's 3-1 win over Pellegrini's team at Etihad Stadium.
The Blues have dropped to fourth but are still chasing success in the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.
| Man City's four competitions in 11 days | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Venue |
| Sunday, 21 February | Chelsea | FA Cup fifth round | Stamford Bridge, London |
| Wednesday, 24 February | Dynamo Kiev | Champions League last 16 | Olympic Stadium, Kiev |
| Sunday, 28 February | Liverpool | League Cup final | Wembley, London |
| Wednesday, 2 March | Liverpool | Premier League | Anfield, Liverpool |
Their ambitions have been hampered by a fixture pile-up and a host of injury problems, with David Silva hurting his ankle against Leicester.
"We have seven players injured at the moment in the same positions - two centre-backs, Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala - and in attack - Kevin de Bruyne, Jesus Navas, Wilfried Bony, Samir Nasri and now Silva," said Pellegrini.
"That makes it more difficult. Let's hope we can recover."
Pellegrini's side host second-placed Spurs on Sunday - a key day in the title race as Leicester also travel to third-placed Arsenal.
Analysis
Former Arsenal, Leicester and England defender Martin Keown:
"Apart from after one round of midweek Premier League games in March, Leicester will almost always have a full week between each fixture between now and the end of the season.
"That's something I don't think will suit them.
"They have just beaten Liverpool and won at Manchester City in the space of five days and I think the quick succession of games really helped them.
"They look like a team of high-energy players - we see that in their games - so Claudio Ranieri is going to have to gear training towards their fixture schedule - to keep them relaxed but ready to go at the right times."
