Manchester City's Manuel Pellegrini expects "tough" match against Southampton

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is wary of Southampton's threat ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

The North-West outfit are currently third in the table, four points adrift of leaders Liverpool with two games in hand.

Pellegrini believes that the Saints will provide a "tough" test for his side as they can play without pressure.

"They are a very good team," Pellegrini said in Friday's press conference. "They are playing without pressure, they are in a comfortable situation in the table.

"They cannot arrive in Europe, they cannot be relegated, they have very good players and a very good manager. We are absolutely sure we are going to have a tough game on Saturday."

Southampton are eighth in the standings with six games left to play in their campaign.