Manuel Pellegrini has said that beating Stoke City this weekend is "very important" for Manchester City.

The Chilean's team have not won in their last two matches in the Premier League, having also lost to Barcelona in the Champions League during the week.

The manager told the team's website: "It very important to win because it is the last Premier League game we are going to play in the Premier League for a while.

"I think it's very important to continue trying to do what we can to arrive to the top of the table.

"The only way to continue is to win against Stoke here at home and for that, we must play a very good game. I just spoke with the players and we need to play with intensity and concentration as I am absolutely sure it will be a tough game for us."

City are currently third in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Chelsea.