Steven Gerrard expects his Aston Villa side to face a tough test from West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
After a sixth-placed finish last term, the Hammers are once again battling it out at the top end of the league.
And the Villa head coach says his counterpart David Moyes will ensure a difficult day awaits in east London.
He said: “It’ll be tough because he’s (Moyes) created a really tough team to play against, a very effective team.
“I know how his teams set up from all the challenges we had against Everton back in the day, they were always well drilled and honest in how they went about their work.
“I’ve managed to meet David a few times and he’s a real top guy, a very humble guy.
“I’ve got nothing but praise for the job he’s done at West Ham and that’s why it’s going to be a very tough game for us.”
After three straight wins, Gerrard’s team have moved into the top half of the Premier League and are looking to continue their upward trajectory over the final 11 games.
Looking at the bigger picture, West Ham’s recent success, which has taken them into the latter stages of the Europa League, is a lead Villa would like to follow.
Gerrard said: “From what I hear from the outside, his coaching staff all do a great job of supporting him and they’re all doing a great job for West Ham.
“They’re competing in Europe, which is a long-term goal for ourselves.
“We need to admire what they’re doing and respect what they’re doing, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to show where we’re at, take on the challenge and go toe-to-toe with a good team.”
