Pep Guardiola anticipates a tougher game at Aston Villa because of their poor start to the season.
Manchester City had to work hard to come away with a 2-1 win last season in one of Steven Gerrard's first game in charge, before needing an almighty comeback to beat them 3-2 on the final game of the campaign and clinch the Premier League title. Guardiola's feeling after his first encounter with Gerrard was that the former Liverpool midfielder would push him harder the second time — and that was ultimately proved correct.
However, the midlands club have endured a difficult start to the season and sit 19th in the table after just one win from their opening five games. They equalised at Arsenal in midweek only to concede instantly to lose for the fourth time already this season.
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City, in contrast, are undefeated and Erling Haaland's second hat-trick in as many games has reinforced their credentials as the team to beat this season. But while they head to Villa Park on a high, Guardiola would rather they were making the journey to play a team in better form.
"They are more dangerous right now, I’d prefer them to be in a better position,’ Guardiola said. ‘Tomorrow is more difficult for the fact that they have only won one game.
‘But their quality is there. They added Leander Dendoncker, and Jan Bednarek, two experienced players. I can imagine how tough it will be. I felt it immediately when we finished the game against Nottingham Forest."
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