Pellegrini thinks 'five or six' teams in EPL title contention

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Manuel Pellegrini, manager of Manchester City looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on February 2, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that "five or six" teams are still in contention to win the Premier League this season.

City's own title challenge suffered a major setback last Saturday with a disappointing 3-1 loss at home to league leaders Leicester.

That defeat saw Pellegrini's side slip to fourth, six points behind the Foxes, with Tottenham and Arsenal completing the Champions League places in second and third respectively.

Pellegrini says he still firmly believes in City's title chances but admits his side need to improve their consistency if they are to overhaul Leicester's six point advantage.

"We are always thinking that we can do it, but after that you must demonstrate during the game why you can do it," said the Chilean, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola at the end of the current campaign.

"Maybe it was an unexpected defeat against Leicester but we played a very good team.

"In the (previous) 11 games we just lost one against Everton, in the first leg of the Capital One Cup. So, we were in a good moment but played a bad game."

This Sunday sees City take on Mauricio Pochettino's in-form Tottenham, while Arsenal host Leicester in a crucial set of fixtures in the title race.

Spurs have won their last six games in all competitions and Pellegrini expects the London club to be challenging for honors at the end of the season.

"They have a very good team, good players, a good manager," he said.

"This is game number 25 and they are involved for the fight for the title, so probably in the last 13 games they will do it also.

"But what I think about Tottenham is not just the last six games. The whole season they have been doing very well.

"It doesn't matter what you do in the past. We know we have to play a strong team and the important thing is to try and be at the same level.

"But it is not only Tottenham. Five or six teams can continue fighting for the title."

City could welcome back Vincent Kompany from injury on Sunday after a prolonged spell out with a calf problem, whilst David Silva is set to shake off an ankle knock.

However, Fabian Delph is expected to be unavailable for seven weeks after suffering an Achilles injury - the midfielder's second serious injury this season.