Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists Unai Emery hasn't surprised him at Aston Villa.

Emery has Villa placed in the top four at this stage of the season.

Guardiola said ahead of tonight's clash: “[They are] excellent the way they play. Unai Emery and the consistency in every season, Villa is impressive and always he has done really well.

“It's not a surprise the quality of him and his management and the quality of the team.

“I didn't watch all games because I don't think all managers watch all the games of opponents.

“I think he's playing the same system. They have really good set-pieces and transitions with the two incredible fast players up front.

“The shape is really clear what they do. They can do high pressing and afterwards defend very well with a back four or back five and a really structured line. [They have] an exceptional keeper.

“That is why they are where they are, fighting to be there."