The 62-year old cited the Andalusian side’s recent win over FC Barcelona as evidence that Unai Emery’s men will provide a stern examination of City’s credentials on Wednesday night.
Pellegrini provided a squad-wide injury update and revealed that he told his squad on Tuesday morning that he expects to see “the real Sevilla” at the Etihad Stadium in his pre-match press conference.
“Vincent was fit for the last game, Aleks is fit so is in the squad list. Clichy, Delph, Aguero and Silva are injured,” Pellegrini told journalists.
“Aguero is out for a month - maybe next week Clichy, Delph and Silva will be fit.
“Maybe everyone thought that Sevilla would be better in the Spanish League at this moment.
“Maybe they didn’t start well but they beat Barcelona so it’s not easy. I spoke with the players this morning, we are sure we will play against the real Sevilla tomorrow – it’s different to the domestic league.
“I am sure we will see them qualified for the next Champions League at the end of the season. They are an important team.”
The Chilean poured cold water on the notion that Manchester United’s midweek trip to Moscow could provide a decisive advantage in the upcoming 170th Manchester derby.
Instead, Pellegrini preferred to focus on what he described as a potentially decisive game in UEFA Champions League group stage qualifying.
“I don’t think travelling will make a difference,” he said.
“Wednesday to Sunday you have a lot of days to recover. We’re just thinking about Sevilla, not about United’s travelling. We just need three important points at home to try to qualify for the next stage.
“Tomorrow we have to win here at home against a difficult team – all the other things are just statistics and history and won’t help us to win.”
On the day the 23-man shortlist was announced for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, Manuel had his say on the trio of City nominees.
He added: “I think that Kevin had a very good season in Germany last season – we hope he can win it in the same way as Yaya and Sergio.”
“Not surprising Kun has been nominated for Ballon d’Or - it is a surprise he has won nothing here in the past.”
City continue their Champions League campaign against last season’s Europa League winners Sevilla on Wed 21 Oct at 7.45pm. Make sure you’re there to support the team. Buy your tickets now Adults from £25 and U16s £5.
Hospitality packages also available from £110 + VAT. Call our hospitality team now on 0161 444 1894.
Show your support for City U19s who also face Sevilla, on the same day as the first team, in the UEFA Youth League. Kick-off is 5pm at the Academy Stadium. Tickets available now; Cityzens can redeem a free match ticket for this fixture now and non-Cityzens can purchase tickets.
