Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Southampton boss Ronald Koeman deserves credit for the start that he has made at St Mary's Stadium.

Despite several high-profile departures during the summer, the Dutch coach has guided the Saints to second place in the Premier League table, but Pellegrini has insisted that it should not come as a surprise that they are performing well.

The 61-year-old told reporters: "They are a good team with very good players and they're playing very well. It's no surprise they are where they are.

"Ronald Koeman has lost four or five players but they are still a good team and that's a merit to him. It will be a tough game."

City will replace Southampton in second spot if they can secure three points on Sunday afternoon.