Manchester City's clash with CSKA Moscow vital for Manuel Pellegrini

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has said that his side's Champions League game against CSKA Moscow in Russia next week could be pivotal in deciding whether or not they reach the next stage of the tournament.

City have had mixed results so far, having lost 3-1 at home to Bayern Munich, but also grabbing a 3-0 away victory over Viktoria Plzen in Group D.

"I think that 50 per cent of the chances to go into the second round of the Champions League will be playing next Wednesday in Russia," said Pellegrini, according to Sky Sports News.

"For all the managers the best thing is to keep an 11 starting when you are winning and playing well. But I think we must be a competitive team all year and it is very difficult to keep the same 11 starting.

"There is no priority. For me it is very important for the team to qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League but also the Premier League is very important."

City play CSKA on Wednesday before travelling to Stamford Bridge the following Sunday to face Chelsea in the Premier League.