Manuel Pellegrini explains changes

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he made six changes to his lineup for the match against Stoke City because of the busy Christmas schedule.

Pellegrini said that it was "not normal" to have to play two games in as many days, and that he would protect his players as much as possible by utilising his squad.

"I repeat it is not normal to play twice in 48 hours, I think it's a risk for the players so I made the changes," BBC Sport quotes him as saying.

"The team is doing very well at home so far, but I always say we have a squad. At right-back, Pablo Zabaleta is a risk, Micah Richards is injured and Dedryck Boyata normally plays in the week in that position."

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