Maresca expects tough test against Sunderland
Enzo Maresca believes Manchester City's upcoming Premier League clash with Sunderland will be its toughest game since the start of the season.
City will look to maintain its perfect start to the league season when it hosts the Black Cats on Saturday, with only Arsenal able to match its 100 per cent record after four games.
Despite losing Phil Foden to a first-half red card, City won 1-0 against Manchester United on matchday four.
Although it has bounced back well since losing to Arsenal in last month's Community Shield, Maresca anticipates a strong test for his City side against Sunderland.
"I know how strong they are, and I have the feeling that on Sunday we need a top performance to beat them, and we need to be 100 per cent to win the game," he said.
"My feeling is, after watching them, is that on Sunday it will be the toughest game since the start of the season.
"If you watch them, you are not surprised [at how well they have done], because you will realise how good they are, how good they are on the ball, off the ball, how aggressive they are, the amount of duels that they win every game."
Sunderland is 14th in the Premier League after losing to Arsenal last time out, but is beaming with confidence after defeating AZ in the UEFA Europa League.
It marked its first European match in 53 years, and Enzo Le Fee scored the winner at The Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris acknowledged he must use as many players as possible throughout the season to ensure fitness levels remain high.
"We made four changes for our fixture against AZ and we have the option to make three, four or five changes to start with against Manchester City," the Sunderland boss said.
"We will also need to call on some substitutes throughout the game as well to finish things off. It is the reality of the level we're at now."
