Sunderland winger Adam Johnson is relishing his side's matches against Manchester City and Liverpool this week.
The Black Cats face the Premier League champions then Brendan Rodgers's side fresh off holding Chelsea to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light.
However, Johnson is confident that his side can match the Citizens and continued their excellent run of form against the club at the Stadium of Light.
He told the club's official website: "This week is exactly what you want to be involved in. You have to play the top teams sometime so you might as well play them all together.
"Manchester City is going to be another tough game but we are up for the challenge just like we were last season, so maybe we can catch them off guard once again.
"However, you only have to look at the players they have in their squad to see it will be a difficult game."
Sunderland have beaten City for the past four seasons at the Stadium of Light by a 1-0 margin.
Simon Sinclair
