Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has labelled the upcoming league game against Sunderland as equally important as a fixture with one of City's title rivals.

City will travel to Stadium of Light to take on the relegation-threatened Black Cats in the Premier League clash on Tuesday night but the French left-back will not be taking Sam Allardyce's men lightly despite their lowly ranking.

"It's been a very good few days," said Clichy on the club's official website. "We know we can play against any team and win against any team - it's just a matter of being focused from the first to the last minute.

"It was a good game on Saturday because we rotated a little bit to make the team fresher for the game against Sunderland.

"Everyone's pleased with the way we played and we didn't concede a goal which is really important, and we can move forward in the Premier League now.

"At this stage of the season, whether you play the team at the top of the table or the team at the bottom, it's still for three points.

"Three points against Sunderland would be just as important if not more important than a win against a top four team.

"We take every game at a time, and hopefully we will take three points because if we want to achieve a great season, we have to win as many points as possible.

"We've have a few days to rest but I'm sure we'll be ready. The Premier League is a tough and anywhere you go brings a difficult game."