Unai Emery is prepared for his Aston Villa side to face a stern examination at Manchester City on Sunday.
Villa travel to the north west looking to pick up points against the reigning Premier League champions, who are currently second in the table behind leaders Arsenal.
The Villans held Pep Guardiola’s side to a 1-1 draw earlier this season but have not won at the Etihad Stadium since 2007.
Head coach Emery has seen a focused and positive response from his players in training following last weekend’s frustrating defeat to Leicester City.
But he knows Manchester City present a “very big challenge”, and the Spaniard acknowledges Villa’s defence will be crucial, as will be their moments in attack.
“It’s a very difficult match, a tough match,” said Emery.
“Manchester City are building a team to win the Champions League and they are getting close to doing it.
“In the Premier League they have had amazing, amazing results over the last years.
“Each year it’s Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and this year it’s Arsenal, of course, being close to them at the end.
“I’ve played against Manchester City here and in the Champions League, it’s a very difficult match. Maybe it’s going to be more difficult now with the issues they are having.
“I think they’re going to be together and they are going to try and respond on the pitch against us."
“We have to defend, of course. Defensively we have to be strong, committed defensively, the attitude will be great in our players’ minds. And, of course, when we have moments to attack, to keep ball possession, good positioning - we are going to try to impose ourselves and try to have our chances to score, to take possibilities to win.”
Unai Emery
Emery continued: “It’s a lesson for me, like every match, we have to analyse. Of course, it’s Manchester City, with very good players.
“Individually and collectively, they have a good tactical direction with Guardiola.
“But, we have to be ourselves as well, very demanding in how we can prepare for the match, how we can respond against them.
“We know it’s going to be very difficult, it’s a very big challenge for us and for me.”
