Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has put his squad on notice, insisting that Sunday's clash with Sunderland represents the toughest challenge they have faced since the season began.

Speaking via the club's official website, Maresca left no room for complacency, emphasising that City must be at their absolute best to collect three points against an opponent he clearly holds in high regard.

"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% to win the game," said Maresca.

The City boss went further, warning that anyone who has watched Sunderland closely will not be surprised by their form this season.

"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, 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," he added.

Maresca's message was pointed — his side must match Sunderland's intensity from the first whistle to the last if they are to come away with a result. The Italian manager stressed the physical and tactical demands the fixture will place on his players.

With City chasing domestic honours, Maresca appears determined to guard against any lapse in focus during what he regards as a critical phase of the campaign.