Pep expecting a tough encounter

PEP Guardiola has praised Sunderland after the Black Cats adapted seamlessly to the Premier League.

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It's less than a month since City beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium, but Guardiola expects a difficult encounter at the Stadium of Light.

That December 6 defeat was their biggest of the season and substitute Luke O'Nein was sent off in the closing stages.

But, at the Stadium of Light, Regis Le Bris has yet to lose this season.

And Guardiola accepts his title-chasers will face a stern test this evening.

He said: "They are so tough. The crowd is unbelievable. They have beaten Newcastle. Arsenal and Aston Villa could not win there.

"They have had really good results. It will be completely different there but at the same time we are ready."