Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned his players that Sunderland are "dangerous" ahead of Wednesday's encounter between the teams in the Premier League.

The Blues welcome the struggling Black Cats to the Etihad Stadium with Gus Poyet's side in need of the points at the foot of the table.

Despite City earning a 3-1 win over Sunderland in last month's League Cup final, Pellegrini believes that they will provide a different test this time around.

"I think it is very dangerous, the position that they are in the table - more dangerous than a match that was one month ago," the Chilean is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Sunderland are in a very bad position and they know they have to win so they will be very dangerous."

City are currently in third place in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool but with two games in hand.