Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini can't see Liverpool replacing Luis Suarez's influence. Pellegrini believes Brendan Rodgers will have difficulty replacing the striker who bagged 31 Premier League goals in 33 appearances last season despite bringing in Mario Balotelli and eight other players.
He said: "It is so difficult just to answer just in one game but maybe they will always miss Luis Suarez because he is a very important player.
"They have brought a lot of important new players and continue being a very strong squad also."
Pellegrini has pilled the pressure on Monday's early-season encounter by claiming it could have a big say in the title race.
He said: "I always say to the players that games are games of six points, especially when you play at home with the most important squads of the Premier League such as Liverpool or Arsenal or Chelsea.
"It is important for us as we are just starting the season and maybe we don't have our whole squad in the best fitness moment but I think this week we work very hard and very well.
"I hope we can do a very good game and win the three points."
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