Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio wary of "killer pitch" at Hong Kong Stadium

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has described the playing surface at the Hong Kong Stadium as a "killer pitch" ahead of today's Asia Trophy final against Manchester City.

The Black Cats are due on second against Manuel Pellegrini's side following a third-place playoff between Tottenham Hotspur and South China.

Di Canio believes that torrential rain over the last three days has made playing either match questionable, with a pitch inspection due to decide the fate of both games later today.

He told The Mirror: "Of course I'm worried about the safety of the players, it's a killer pitch. The boys trained this morning, but without the ball."

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has also voiced concerns over the pitch, after defender Jan Vertonghen was injured against the Black Cats in Thursday's tournament opener.