Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini claims nothing has changed in the Barclay's Premier League title race even though his side have become overwhelming favourites.

City can go two points clear at the top, with just a game to play, if they beat Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

Their position has been enhanced after Liverpool surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 at Crystal Palace on Monday.

But Pellegrini said: "We prepare exactly the same as we prepare for all the games. We know the next game is the most important game.

"We are not going to win the Premier League tomorrow. We must win and then we will see what happens on Sunday."

Pellegrini does not accept the claim of his Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers that the race is now effectively over, even though the initiative is now clearly with City. He said: "At the end of the week we will see which team has more points."

When asked about Liverpool's dramatic late capitulation against Palace, Pellegrini said: "In the Premier League it is very difficult to win the games. You cannot be sure you are winning until the end, until the last minute."

Pellegrini sees the performance of Palace, who had already avoided relegation, as proof there can be no room for complacency against Villa. Paul Lambert's side are also guaranteed to be in the top flight next season.

"Maybe Crystal Palace didn't have anything to fight for but they were a very strong team and I am sure Aston Villa will be a very strong team for us," said Pellegrini, whose side lost at Villa Park in September.

"I repeat, in the Premier League nobody knows who can win the game. We will do our best and the players are conscious that we depend just on these two games."

City will be without top scorer Sergio Aguero, who limped off in Saturday's win at Everton with a groin problem, the latest in a catalogue of muscle injuries for the Argentinian.

The 25-year-old, who had scored his 28th goal of the campaign moments before leaving the action at Goodison Park, has missed 18 of City's last 31 games with various injuries.

But he has not yet been ruled out of Sunday's season finale at home to West Ham.