Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned his players not to underestimate Sunderland when they travel to the Stadium of Light tomorrow night.

The champions are currently six points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table following Sunday's 3-0 win over Southampton.

Sunderland head into the match just three points above the relegation zone, but Pellegrini believes that the Black Cats have what it takes to give his side a difficult evening.

"It is a tough team to play against because they defend very well, at home and away," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "It is a team that know exactly what they must do during the game.

"They also have a very good manager, Gustavo Poyet, who knows the Premier League, so both things make a strong team."

City have won four of their last six games in the Premier League, while Sunderland have taken six points from a possible 18.