Sunderland face uphill battle

Cape Town - Sunderland will hope to remain unbeaten for a fifth straight game when they host Manchester City.

The Black Cats, beaten by City in last season's League Cup final, earned plaudits for their defensive display in holding Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at the weekend.

But Sunderland's former City midfielder Adam Johnson said they would look to attack Pellegrini's side at every opportunity.

Sunderland have beaten Manchester City 1-0 at home in each of the last four seasons, and haven't lost to them in front of their own fans for more than six years.

"You only have to look at the players they have in their squad to see it will be a difficult game," Johnson said.

"But we're up for the challenge against them just like we were last season, and maybe we can catch them off guard once again."

Sunderland host Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday at 21:45.