Roberto Mancini has called on his Manchester City players to maintain their recent high standards if they want to claim a top-four place.

Although over two weeks will have passed since City's amazing 4-2 win at Chelsea when they tackle Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, memories of that triumph in the Blue camp are still fresh.

With Liverpool losing at Wigan on Monday, suddenly the Blues are favourites to leapfrog Tottenham and clinch the fourth Champions League berth.

But, having bounced back to form in such remarkable fashion following a run of just one win in six games, Mancini knows it is imperative City continue their momentum.

"If we can play like Chelsea then we have a good chance," said the Italian.

"It is important that we continue to perform very well. I have all the players, so if we work well and prepare well, I think we have a good chance."

Influential midfielder Patrick Vieira is set to return from a three-match ban against the Black Cats, but £25million front-man Emmanuel Adebayor is still sidelined for another three games following his dismissal in the FA Cup defeat at Stoke on February 24.