Fabio Borini hopes Sunderland can expose any flaws in Manchester City defence

02 March 2017 10:38

Fabio Borini has challenged Sunderland to expose the flaws in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City defence as they plot another Premier League great escape.

City head for the Stadium of Light on Sunday sitting third in the table and 11 points adrift of runaway leaders Chelsea.

By contrast, the Black Cats remain rooted in bottom spot and in desperate need of a victory, something they achieved against this weekend's visitors in four successive seasons between 2010-11 and 2013-14.

While the odds may be heavily stacked against them this time around, Borini is confident there are weaknesses to be exploited.

He told the club's official website: "They seem a little shaky at the back because of the way Guardiola wants them to play - but don't take that as a criticism because that's the way he's won titles in the past.

"He has his philosophy and that won't change this weekend, so we have to take advantage of that in any way we can.

"We need to frustrate them and if that means we have to be defensive, then so be it because we have to stop their influence on the game."

Sunderland are engaged in a fifth successive top-flight survival fight, and with just 12 games to go their need is ever more pressing.

However, Borini, a veteran of the club's recent scrambles, believes they have what it takes to get themselves out of trouble once again.

Asked if their past experiences will serve them well, he said: "Yes, because what we've done in the past few years has been down to what we've done on the pitch. It comes down to the togetherness we had and how we fought on the pitch - we worked for one another in every game.

"We know we don't have to play brilliant football to stay up, but confidence is key in modern football and you saw what Leicester did last season when they had it, so we have to stay strong."

Source: PA