Manuel Pellegrini Looks to Continue Unbeaten December League Run

Manchester City Manager Manuel Pellegrini has owned the month December in his previous two seasons with the Blues. Pellegrini has generally benefited however from a fit squad in previous Decembers. This year is different however with the Blues continuing to lurch from one injury crisis to another.

Joe Hart could return to action on Saturday vs Stoke. Pellegrini said on Friday that  "Joe worked yesterday and today without any problems so he's in the squad list - we'll see tomorrow if he can play."

Regarding Kun Aguerom, Pellegrini said, "We'll see on Kun, he's recovering from his heel. He's in pain so it's not easy for him to work. I don't think he will be fit - maybe for Tuesday.

Jesus Navas and Fernando should both play according to the Blues Manager. "Navas and Fernando are both in the squad and have no problems.

But Pellegrini feels the team is deep enough to withstand all of the fitness issues. "We don't depend on one or two players. We have an average of six players injured every game but even so we're through to the Last 16 of the Champions League and into the semi-final of the Capital One Cup.

"I think for a manager the best thing is to try and keep the starting 11 when you are winning but it's impossible for the amount of games we're playing. It's also important that it doesn't matter who plays, we have a good performance either way.

"It doesn't matter which names start as we will play the same style."

On December and January importance: "I think December and January are critical months for the Premier League - it's important to be near the top of the table before the Champions League starts again and you're playing every few days," he said.

"You have to play so many games, especially when you continue in the Capital One and we also start the FA Cup.

"We know and we see how strong the squad is as, in this moment, we're in a strong position in so many competitions.

"I don't think anyone can doubt how strong our squad is. The important thing is to try and play in the same way and that's what we're doing. I'm very pleased with how things are going.

"We are all very happy to continue in all competitions but we're not thinking about winning all four competitions - always just the next game."

Manchester City travels to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday.