Man City cannot afford to lose any more points says Pellegrini

Manchester City face Crystal Palace on 6 April knowing that any more slips against weaker opposition will ruin their chances of retaining their status as Premier League champions.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are second on 61 points, six less than leaders Chelsea who have a game in hand.

The City boss cannot afford losing any more points after bouncing back from a 1-0 defeat to Burnley with a 3-0 home win against West Bromwich Albion.

"If we want to continue (chasing) in the first position of the table, we must not drop any more points but it is not easy," Pellegrini told reporters on 2 April.

"It is easy to say but it is not easy to do it. We just know that now until the end of the season, we just try to win all the games. We will see if we can do it."

The Chilean refused to be drawn on a reported interest for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling who says he is in no rush to sign a new contract with the Merseyside club.

"I think that the whole year this club has had a lot of rumours and maybe in all the big clubs that you want that player and another player. I just said the other day, I just said just one England player, one English player but it doesn't mean that we are interested in some (specific) players," Pellegrini said.

With no European prizes left to chase this season, England's top clubs are focused on winning the domestic title, although that goal looks beyond all but Chelsea.

Arsenal and Liverpool, both in the top five with eight matches left, have the added incentive of trying to win the FA Cup but leaders Chelsea, champions Manchester City and a rejuvenated Manchester United are focused just on the main prize.

Chelsea are strong favourites to finish as champions for the first time since 2010 as they lead with 67 points, six clear of City with a match in hand.

Arsenal are a point further back after winning nine of their last 10, while United, fourth on 59, have also been in excellent form, winning their last four including a 2-1 win at Liverpool.