Manuel Pellegrini: 'Raheem Sterling can handle pressure against Liverpool'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Raheem Sterling will start against his former club Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old, who joined City for £49m in the summer, was booed by Liverpool fans whenever he touched the ball during Sunday's League Cup final, which City won on penalties.

Just three days after they met at Wembley, the two clubs will go head to head once again and this will be the first time that Sterling has visited Anfield since his controversial transfer.

In Tuesday's press conference, Pellegrini told reporters: "I don't know what will be the starting XI. One player who I'm sure will start is Raheem Sterling.

"He's a young man, young player, starting his career, and he knows how to deal with pressure."

Sterling admitted that it was "difficult" celebrating against his former teammates on Sunday.