Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits that a trip to Aston Villa is one of the most difficult away fixtures his side will face all season.

Villa have lost just one of their last 26 home matches in all competitions — a defeat to Crystal Palace at the end of August.

They have also won their last two home league games against City, and the last time they managed a longer winning run over them was between 1960 and 1975.

"They were much better than us at the two fixtures we played at Villa Park. Hopefully it will be different on Sunday,” Guardiola said ahead of the match.

"The admiration I have for Unai [Emery] is so high, consistent and well-prepared.

"They aren't in the Champions League this season but for they were in the Champions League last season and created a lot of problems. Well organised, they have quality. One of the toughest away games we'll have all season."

Guardiola added: "Defensively really good, set-pieces also and after that they've improved a lot over the last...