West Ham v Liverpool: Manuel Pellegrini wants to help Man City with win

Manuel Pellegrini, who has managed sides including River Plate, Real Madrid and Manchester City, took over at West Ham at the start of the season.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to get his side’s season back on course by beating Liverpool on Monday – and do his old side Manchester City a favour at the same time.

Premier League leaders Liverpool are two points clear in the title race but have a game in hand over rivals City, who beat Arsenal 3-1 on Sunday.

Pellegrini won the league in 2014 during a three-year spell at City.

“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.”

Forward Marko Arnautovic could be available for the Hammers, with the injury that forced him off during Tuesday’s defeat by Wolves proving to be only a bruised foot.

For Liverpool, James Milner is available again after missing Wednesday’s home draw against Leicester through suspension. He is set to start at right-back for the visitors with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez both still injured.

West Ham are 12th in the league and have lost their past three games since a 1-0 win over Arsenal on 12 January, including a shock FA Cup defeat by League One side AFC Wimbledon.

Pellegrini confirmed defender Winston Reid, out for almost a year with a knee injury, is not expected back in action this season. – bbc.com