Manager Pep Guardiola highly appreciates opponent Aston Villa as Manchester City prepares to travel to Villa Park on Sunday, in the Premier League.

The Citizens are aiming to extend their nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions after overcoming a difficult period in August, when they suffered consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton. However, Guardiola remains cautious about facing Unai Emery’s side, who have helped Villa bounce back from a slow start. “They have been much better than us in the last two games at Villa Park. Hopefully it will be different on Sunday,” said Guardiola. “I have a lot of respect for Unai Emery. He is a great coach, always well prepared, intelligent and consistent. For me, Aston Villa deserves to be a Champions League team. Last year they caused Champions League winners PSG a lot of trouble. They have the organisation, the quality, they have everything to be a strong team. This is definitely one of our toughest away games this season.”

Man City travel to Villa Park without Rodri, with the Spaniard still recovering from a hamstring injury. His replacement Nico Gonzalez will also be tested after picking up a foot problem in the Champions League clash with Villarreal in midweek. Up front, Erling Haaland will be looking to extend his run of 12 consecutive goals for club and country. With a well-organised opponent under Unai Emery, and a fiery atmosphere at Villa Park, Man City will need to show their class to prove they are still an unshakeable force in the Premier League.