Shakespeare: Sunderland A Big Test

- Craig Shakespeare calls for focus from Leicester City ahead of Tuesday's clash with Sunderland

- The Black Cats visit King Power Stadium in urgent need of Premier League points (7.45pm kick-off)

- City have won five on the spin in all competitions and go into the encounter in a confident mood

- Shakespeare stresses the importance of momentum as the Foxes look to make it six in a row

Craig Shakespeare says Leicester City will not take Sunderland lightly when the on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off). 

The Black Cats back in December but are now eight points adrift of safety with just nine matches still to play and Shakespeare believes that makes them more dangerous than ever as the two sides prepare to lock horns on Filbert Way. 

In stark contrast, the Foxes are currently enjoying a run of five consecutive victories in all competitions and the manager has stressed the importance of momentum - both as a source of strength but also as a potential stumbling block if results turn for the worst in the coming weeks. 

“It’s vitally important,” Shakespeare told the media on Monday afternoon. “We have a big month coming up and we have to make sure that we play with confidence but also respect the opposition as well. Solely, our focus has got be on the next game. It’s still tight down there. 

"If a team puts a run together of three or four wins it can make it even closer so we have to make sure we’re ready for each game. If you look too far ahead in football, it has a habit of biting you. The other results can go the way of the teams down there so we know it can be close. 

Shakespeare says the Black Cats remain a dangerous outfit and insists Leicester will have to be on the top of their game if they are to secure a sixth successive win. With Everton and Atletico Madrid just around the corner, in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, City need points on the board. 

Looking back to the 2-1 reverse in the North East earlier in the season, he added: “It was a close game and I’m expecting a very close game tomorrow. We know Sunderland are fighting for their lives. 

“We’ve been in the situation before where you’re slowly running out of games so we’re aware that they’re a dangerous opposition. They proved that when they went to Crystal Palace and scored four, they are a capable side.   

“Any team that has Jermain Defoe in it has to make sure they not only keep him quiet but that they’re aware of his goal threat. We’re aware of the opposition but we’re in a good place at the moment.”