Pellegrini has refused to confirm whether or not Hart will start Sunday's Premier League opener against Newcastle United, but those "in the know" claim it is a certainty he will play.
Willy Caballero was preferred in goal as City began the domestic season with a loss following the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield yesterday.
Manuel Pellegrini: "All the 22 players that we have in our squad must demonstrate who is number one in all positions.
"The goalkeeper and the other positions of the team are exactly the same.
"Joe finished last season playing very well. We'll see next Sunday which XI starts against Newcastle [in the Premier League]."
First-half goals from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey gave the Gunners a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break, before Olivier Giroud added a third later on.
Next Sunday's encounter at St James's Park kicks off at 4pm.